France Hands Over Three Military Bases to Senegal as Sept 2025 Withdrawal Deadline Draws Near

France has officially begun the withdrawal of its military forces from Senegal, with three military bases in the capital, Dakar, being returned to Senegalese control. This move follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s announcement to reduce reliance on foreign military presence.

According to local reports, the process started with the departure of French forces from key installations, aligning with Senegal’s broader strategy of redefining its defence partnerships.

The complete withdrawal of French troops is expected to be finalised by September 2025. However, critical negotiations remain concerning the strategic military base in Rufisque, where France operates a high-frequency transmitting station crucial for military communications in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Guinea. There are reports of discussions between Dakar and Paris regarding the future of this facility.

Another unresolved issue is the fate of the French Navy’s Falcon 50 M aircraft, currently stationed at Blaise Diagne Airport. The aircraft plays a key role in maritime surveillance and combating illegal fishing, but no final decision has been made regarding its continued presence in Senegal, RT reported.

Following the exit of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad in recent years. The shift in France-Senegal military relations was discussed during a mid-January visit by General Pascal Ianni, head of the Africa Command, who met with Senegalese military chief General Mbaye Cissé to redefine defence agreements between the two nations.

It will be recalled that ‏France had also started withdrawing its troops from Chad after the Chadian government terminated their defence agreements. Mahamat Mahamoud Adam Béchir, Chad’s ambassador to Russia, announced that the first phase of the withdrawal began on December 10. 

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