French army to withdraw from Senegal as part of Africa downsizing
France is set to officially hand back its remaining military bases in Senegal on Thursday, marking the end of its permanent military presence in both West and Central Africa.
Ending the French army's 65 years in Senegal, the pull-out comes after similar withdrawals across the continent, with former colonies increasingly turning their backs on their former ruler, News.Az reports, citing AFP.
Around 350 French soldiers, primarily tasked with conducting joint operations with the Senegalese army, will leave the west African nation after a three-month departure process. France started ceding its bases to Senegal in March.
After storming to victory in 2024 elections promising radical change, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye demanded France withdraw troops from the country by 2025.
Unlike the leaders of other former colonies such as junta-run Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, however, Faye has insisted that Senegal will keep working with Paris.
In a ceremony in Dakar, France will return Camp Geille, its largest base in the country, and its airfield at Dakar airport.
Senegal's Chief of General Staff, General Mbaye Cisse, and General Pascal Ianni, who commands France's troops in Africa, will attend.
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