Latest news with #Franco-Senegalese
See - Sada Elbalad
18-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
France Ends Permanent Military Presence in Senegal
Israa Farhan France has formally withdrawn its remaining military forces from Senegal, marking the end of its permanent military presence in West Africa. The decision reflects Paris's ongoing decline in regional influence and comes as part of a broader realignment of French military strategy across the continent. On Thursday, the French Armed Forces officially handed over the Galliéni Camp, their largest military base in Senegal, along with a nearby air facility, to the Senegalese government during a ceremony in the capital, Dakar. General Pascal Yanni, head of French forces in Africa, said the move ushers in a new phase in Franco-Senegalese military relations. He noted that the withdrawal aligns with France's broader decision to end its permanent base operations in West and Central Africa, responding to Senegal's wish to eliminate the long-term presence of foreign troops on its soil. Senegal's Chief of Army Staff, General Mbaye Cissé, welcomed the move, stating that it supports the country's new defense strategy. He emphasized that the core goal is to strengthen the autonomy of the Senegalese armed forces while contributing to peace across the region, the continent, and globally. The withdrawal marks the end of a three-month operation to remove approximately 350 French troops, which began in March. France had maintained a military presence in Senegal since the country's independence in 1960, under long-standing defense cooperation agreements. The pullout follows a call last year by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for the removal of all foreign troops, arguing that national sovereignty is incompatible with foreign military bases on Senegalese territory. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Business Insider
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
French military era ends in West Africa as Senegal reclaims last base
France has formally dismissed its decades-long military presence in Senegal, handing over its last remaining military facility to local authorities during a ceremony on Thursday. France has formally ended its military presence in Senegal by transferring its last base to Senegalese authorities. The base handover occurred during a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials from both nations. The retreat is part of France's broader reduction of military presence across West Africa. The last post, Camp Geille in Ouakam, Dakar, was handed over to Senegalese administration in a solemn ceremony attended by Senegal's Chief of General Staff, General Mbaye Cisse, and Major General Pascal Ianni, head of the French military command in Africa. This transfer came after a number of prior restitutions, including the Marechal and Saint-Exupery sites in March, the Contre-Amiral Protet installation in May, and the Rufisque military post in early July. The exit was agreed upon by a Franco-Senegalese joint committee on May 16 and is consistent with the two nations' military cooperation pact from 2012. France and Senegal began discussions in February 2025 to consider the exit, following similar withdrawals in other West African countries. According to Euronews, this event coincides with the rise of anti-French sentiment in the region and signifies the end of France's military presence in West Africa. France has been progressively diminishing its military presence in Africa, most notably retreating from the Sahel region of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger due to diplomatic issues and growing public resistance. France's military exit in West Africa in recent years France handed up its last military facility in Chad in January 2025, just as tensions between the two countries worsened. Chad went on to accuse France of undermining its democracy, particularly in light of a January 8 attack on its presidential palace by a group of 24 people, which strained bilateral relations even more. Chad's move comes barely a year after France's cessation of military cooperation with Gabon in September 2023, following the overthrow of President Ali Bongo Ondimba. The coup, led by military personnel who questioned Bongo's third term, installed General Brice Oligui Nguema as leader of the transitional government. France, which had generally supported pro-Western regimes in Africa, promptly cut military ties with Gabon's new administration. In 2022, Mali expelled France's ambassador, causing France to withdraw its troops and the Takuba force, thereby ending their military partnership. France's 4,500-strong Operation Barkhane army withdrew from Mali in August 2022, while French forces left Burkina Faso in February 2023. The 400-member Operation Sabre, which was sent in 2009 to combat armed organizations such as al-Qaeda in the region, discreetly withdrew after Burkina Faso's military-led government requested their leave in January, citing a four-week withdrawal deadline. France's military departure from Senegal reflects a larger rethinking of France's position in its former colonies, where anger of neocolonial ties, security failings, and perceived intervention in internal matters has pushed governments and citizens to want complete autonomy.
