France on Friday (7 March) initiated the handover of two military bases in Dakar, marking the first step in its planned withdrawal of forces from Senegal by 2025.
The bases, located in the Marechal and Saint-Exupéry districts, were officially transferred to Senegalese control. This move is part of a broader strategy outlined by Senegal’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who promised to end foreign military presence and reshape the country’s international relationships. France, which has maintained a military presence in Senegal since its independence in 1960, is gradually reducing its footprint across West Africa, with similar withdrawals already taking place in countries like Mali and Ivory Coast.
The transfer of Senegal’s bases will be completed by the end of 2025, with three more facilities set for handover in the coming months.
The closures raise concerns over local employment, as over 160 people directly employed by the French military are facing job loss, with many negotiating severance packages. The French military has arranged career support services to help workers transition into new roles.
Despite these challenges, the handover signifies a shift in Senegal’s foreign policy, as the new government seeks greater economic sovereignty and to balance relations with all global partners. Meanwhile, the closure of military bases in Senegal follows a similar move in Côte d’Ivoire just a month ago. In recent years, French troops have also pulled out from countries such as Chad, Mali, the Republic of the Niger, and Burkina Faso, part of a larger strategy to reduce France’s military footprint across Africa.