France on Thursday ended its armed forces’ presence in Senegal after the commander of French forces in Africa, General Pascal Ianni, handed over a key to the military camp in Dakar to the Senegalese military in a state event.
“Today’s transfer of Camp Geille marks a new stage in the evolution of the partnership between our two armed forces,” Ianni told reporters.
“It is a response to the Senegalese authorities’ wish to no longer have permanent foreign forces present on their territory.”
France’s Long History of Military Presence in Senegal
France first moved its military into Senegal during the colonial era, and after Senegal gained independence in 1960, France maintained military bases in Dakar, including Camp Geille and an airfield at Dakar International Airport, holding approximately 350 troops as part of the French Elements in Senegal (EFS).
These forces provided training, logistics, and regional security support to the Senegalese military, notably through the Reinforcement of African Peacekeeping Capacities (Recamp) program.
However, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced last year that France’s military bases were incompatible with Senegalese sovereignty and would have to be transferred. The two countries agreed to complete that process by the end of the year and it began in March when France handed over two other facilities, also in Dakar.
General Mbaye Cisse, head of the Senegalese armed forces general staff, said the new agreement would allow Senegal to continue benefiting from training and information exchanges.
“We wish all our comrades and their families a safe return to France,” he said, adding that he hoped the long history linking the countries would provide a strong base for cooperation.” He said.
