Senegal Announces Closure of All Foreign Military Bases
Senegal has declared its intention to shut down all foreign military bases on its territory, although the specific deadline for the withdrawal of foreign contingents has not yet been announced. Prime Minister Usman Sonko revealed this during a National Assembly session while outlining the government’s program.
"In the very near future, the Republic’s President will proceed to close all foreign military bases," Sonko announced.
While the decision arguably first targets the former colonial power, France, it is not explicitly stated. President Macky Sall had already expressed his desire to close French bases in the country as early as November.
"Senegal is an independent state, a sovereign nation, and sovereignty does not allow for the presence of foreign military bases," Sall emphasized.
The impending closure of these bases could have significant implications for the region’s geopolitical landscape and test the long-standing ties between France and its former colonies.
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