Senegal has announced plans to close foreign military bases, following growing tensions between the government and France over defense agreements. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed the decision during a General Policy Declaration on Friday, which aligns with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s stance on reevaluating Senegal’s relationship with Paris.
The announcement comes after President Faye expressed dissatisfaction with the presence of French forces in Senegal, specifically the 2012 defense treaty that allows France to maintain 350 soldiers on Senegalese soil. In a late November interview with France 2, Faye questioned the fairness of the arrangement, asking, “Would the French ever consider Senegalese troops stationed in France?” He called for a review of the agreement, which he sees as unbalanced.
While no timeline for the withdrawal of French troops has been set, the treaty requires a six-month notice period for termination. The agreement also provides Senegal with military training and logistical support from France in exchange for military bases on Senegalese soil.
Alongside the military changes, Sonko also outlined a shift in Senegal’s diplomatic approach, which will prioritize career diplomats and seek to strengthen ties with other African nations.
