Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for the closure of all French military bases in the country, asserting that their presence is “incompatible” with Senegal’s national sovereignty. Faye, who came to power in the March elections, made this announcement on Thursday, emphasizing the need for Senegal to assert its independence.
Faye’s statement comes in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron’s acknowledgment of France’s responsibility for the 1944 massacre of Senegalese soldiers. While Faye hailed Macron’s admission, he stressed that allowing French military bases to remain in Senegal undermines the country’s sovereignty. “Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” Faye said in an interview at the presidential palace.
Asserting Sovereignty
Despite the move to close French military bases, Faye clarified that this decision does not sever ties with France. Unlike other West African nations that have expelled French forces in favor of Russian military support, Senegal aims to maintain its relationship with France. “Today, China is our largest trading partner in terms of investment and trade. Does China have a military presence in Senegal? No. Does that mean our relations are cut? No,” Faye remarked.
The directive to close French military bases comes as the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre approaches. In an interview with AFP, Faye reiterated that the French military presence in Senegal is incompatible with the country’s sovereignty. He emphasized that Senegal’s decision is part of a broader shift in West Africa, where countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French forces.
Faye’s comments also reflect a broader context of changing dynamics in West Africa. French government sources recently revealed plans to reduce its African military presence, including cutting troops in Senegal from 350 to 100. While France remains a key partner in trade and investment, Faye acknowledged that France’s apology for the Thiaroye massacre marked an important step forward.
Faye received a letter from French President Macron admitting responsibility for the 1944 massacre, where at least 35 Senegalese soldiers were killed after protesting delayed pay. “I received today a letter from President Emmanuel Macron in which he acknowledges that it was a massacre, very clearly, unambiguously on the terms,” Faye said. He called Macron’s acknowledgment a “great step” but also expressed his intention to seek further reparations. “To recognize that a massacre has been committed must obviously have the effect of making amends, we think that naturally this is what must follow,” he added.
Meanwhile, France had pledged to reduce it s military footprint in Africa, first, in the Summer of 2020, President Macron had said that France would reassess and restructure its Barkhane force by the end of the year. The troops drawdown will make France focus on its Special Operations Task Force “Takuba” commitments.
And then in February 2023, Macron announced “noticeable reduction” of French troop presence in Africa, as anti-French sentiment is running high in some former colonies and countries like Russia are vying for greater influence.
According to a plan currently under discussion with African partners, France is planning to drastically reduce its so-called “pre-positioned” forces in Africa.
France will keep only around 100 troops in Gabon in Central Africa, down from 350 today and around 100 in Senegal, in West Africa, down from 350.
