France has formally handed over its last remaining military base in Senegal, marking the end of a 65-year-long presence in the West African nation. The historic transition was marked by a solemn ceremony attended by French and Senegalese officials.
The transfer included Camp Geille, the largest French military installation in the country, and a strategic airfield at Dakar’s international airport. The handover follows a withdrawal process that began in March 2025, part of a broader realignment of France’s military footprint in Africa.
According to officials, around 350 French troops who were engaged in joint operations and military training with the Senegalese army will complete their full exit within the next three months.
The move reflects a significant shift in Franco-African relations, as several former colonies — including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — reassess and, in some cases, end long-standing military cooperation with France. Critics have increasingly pointed to France’s lingering influence as neocolonial, sparking calls for greater national sovereignty across the continent.
Senegal, however, has maintained a relatively stable and cooperative relationship with France. The recent handover was described by both parties as “amicable and respectful of mutual interests.”
France’s military presence in Senegal dates back to the country’s independence in 1960. Over the decades, the bases played roles in training, logistics, and regional security operations.
The final exit of French forces signals a new chapter in Senegal’s military self-reliance and the broader push for African nations to redefine their post-colonial relationships.
Credit: DW Africa
