IN a historic shift, Senegal has declared its intention to shut down all foreign military bases, a move seen as asserting national independence and sovereignty. Although no timeline has been provided for the withdrawal, the announcement signals a significant geopolitical shift in West Africa.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko broke the news during a general policy address to the National Assembly on Friday. ‘The President of the Republic has decided to close all foreign military bases in the very near future,’ Sonko stated, marking a departure from longstanding foreign military partnerships.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had already hinted at this direction last month, particularly targeting the presence of French troops. ‘Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of foreign military bases,’ he declared in a rare media interview.
Regional backlash against France
This move appears primarily aimed at France, a former colonial power whose presence in Africa has faced increasing resistance. France’s military footprint has steadily diminished across the region, with its forces ousted from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and now in the process of leaving Chad.
France’s approach to Africa has been criticised as patronising, with many African leaders accusing Paris of failing to shed its colonial-era mindset. Senegal’s new government, which has been in office for less than a year, is riding a wave of regional anti-colonial sentiment.
What’s next for Senegal?
The decision to close military bases reflects a broader strategy of asserting independence and rethinking international relationships. It positions Senegal as a key player in the ongoing redefinition of Africa’s relationship with former colonial powers.
As the region undergoes a seismic shift in alliances, Senegal’s bold stance could inspire similar moves across the continent. Whether this decision strengthens Senegal’s security or exposes vulnerabilities remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the era of foreign military dominance in Senegal is drawing to a close.
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