Senegal Announces Closure of All Foreign Military Bases; France‘s Fate Uncertain
In a significant diplomatic move, Senegal has announced its decision to shut down all foreign military bases on its territory. While no specific timeline has been given for the withdrawal of foreign contingents, the government has confirmed its intention to proceed with the closure.
Premier Minister Usman Sonko broke the news during a National Assembly session while outlining the government’s program. "The President of the Republic will soon order the closure of all foreign military bases in the country," Sonko declared.
While the decision potentially affects all foreign military bases, it is primarily believed to target Senegal’s former colonial power, France. The West African nation hosts several French military installations, including the extravagant "Camp de Samba Dioukhan" near Dakar, the capital.
Senegalese President Macky Sall had already expressed his desire to close French military bases in the country as far back as November. "Senegal is a sovereign state, it is a sovereign nation, and sovereignty does not tolerate the presence of foreign military bases," Sall asserted.
As of now, the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense have not commented on Senegal’s announcement. This development comes amid France’s strategic withdrawal from various African countries. Following the withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Paris confirmed the pullout from Chad on Thursday.
France has articulated its intent to significantly reduce its military presence in Africa, with the exception of Djibouti. This move, however, will exclude the 350 French troops currently stationed in Senegal. The fate of these troops, and the base they occupy, now hangs in the balance.
