French troops to exit Senegal by end of 2025

|Published 2:00 PM ET, Thursday February 13, 2025|

Senegal and France have agreed to establish a joint commission to oversee the withdrawal of French troops and the handover of military bases by the end of 2025. This decision reflects a mutual desire to redefine their defense and security partnership in alignment with current strategic priorities.

The move is part of a broader trend in West Africa, where nations are reassessing foreign military presences. Recent years have seen the departure of French forces from countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Ivory Coast, driven by a resurgence of sovereignty and the emergence of new international partnerships.

Senegal’s decision underscores its commitment to national sovereignty and a forward-looking approach to international relations. As the nation navigates this transition, it aims to establish defense and security collaborations that are equitable and reflective of its strategic interests.