France has officially ended its military presence in Senegal after 65 years, handing over its last remaining base in the country in a symbolic move that marks the closure of a significant chapter in post-colonial West Africa. This withdrawal leaves France without any permanent military bases in West and Central Africa, as more former colonies assert their sovereignty and reevaluate their military and political ties with the former colonial power.
The formal handover ceremony took place in Dakar, where Camp Geille and the French airfield at Dakar’s international airport were returned to Senegalese authorities. The event was attended by military officials from both nations, signaling the end of a long-standing military partnership rooted in the colonial and post-independence era.
Senegal’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye elected in 2024 on a platform of national sovereignty and systemic reform had pledged that all foreign troops would depart the country by the end of 2025. His administration has framed the withdrawal as a step toward greater self-determination while clarifying that Senegal is not cutting diplomatic or cooperative ties with France entirely.
Unlike other former French colonies such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military juntas have expelled French forces amid rising anti-French sentiment and growing alignment with Russia Senegal’s transition has been characterized by diplomacy rather than confrontation. President Faye emphasized that Senegal remains open to collaboration with Paris on equal and sovereign terms.
France’s broader military pullback from Africa has been accelerated by a wave of nationalist sentiment, political upheavals, and criticism of perceived neo-colonial influence. The closure of the Senegalese base highlights a growing trend across Africa, where nations are reclaiming control over their security policies and seeking new global partnerships beyond traditional Western alliances.
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