Senegal to End All Foreign Military Presence by 2025 – President Faye

On Tuesday, the President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye, announced that all foreign military forces will leave the country by 2025. The decision, part of a new national defence strategy, was revealed during his New Year’s address.

I have instructed the minister of the armed forces to propose a new doctrine of cooperation in defence and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all military presence of foreign countries in Senegal from 2025, Faye stated.

He added that Senegal would continue collaborating with its international allies under an “open, diversified, and uninhibited cooperation” that treats all partners equally.

This announcement follows Faye’s earlier remarks in November, where he expressed concerns over the compatibility of French military bases with Senegal’s national sovereignty. In an interview with Le Monde, Faye questioned the presence of 350 French soldiers in Senegal, stating that it “does not align with [the] idea of sovereignty and independence.”

During a general policy speech to parliament on December 27, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reinforced this stance, indicating plans to close all foreign military bases shortly.

The decision aligns with growing calls across West Africa for greater sovereignty in defence and security matters.

It came shortly after Chad, the fourth Sahel country to end military ties with France, called for the immediate and complete withdrawal of French troops by the end of January 31.

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