End of an era: France withdraws last troops from Senegal after 65 years

France has officially ended its 65-year military presence in Senegal,handing over its last two bases in a ceremony Thursday (17 July) attended by high-ranking French and Senegalese officials.

The withdrawal marks a symbolic conclusion to decades of military cooperation rooted in colonial legacy. Camp Geille in Dakar and its adjacent airfield were transferred to Senegalese control,concluding a phased departure that began in March. Approximately 350 French troops who had conducted joint operations with Senegal’s army will now leave the country. This event marks “an important turning point in the rich and long military journey of our two countries,” said Senegal’s Chief of General Staff,General Mbaye Cisse. His French counterpart,General Pascal Ianni,described the move as part of “reinventing partnerships in a dynamic Africa.”

The move follows the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in 2024,who ran on a platform of national sovereignty and reducing foreign military influence. While demanding all foreign troops leave by the end of 2025,Faye maintains that France remains a valued partner — albeit now on equal footing. Unlike other former colonies in West Africa that have cut ties with France in favor of Russian support,Senegal seeks a new model of cooperation. The withdrawal reflects a broader continental shift,as Paris scales back its military footprint and consolidates its presence in Djibouti,now its only permanent base in Africa.