Senegal’s Prime Minister Questions French Military Presence in Country

Emmanuel EjioforMay 17, 20241 Mins read279

Ousmane Sonko

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, suggested on Thursday that French military bases in the country might be closed.

This statement was part of a long speech addressing various issues, including the euro-backed CFA franc currency, oil and gas deals, and LGBTQ rights.

Sonko, known for his critical stance on France’s influence in its former colonies, questioned the continued presence of French troops in Senegal.

More than 60 years after our independence … we must question the reasons why the French army, for example, still benefits from several military bases in our country and the impact of this presence on our national sovereignty and our strategic autonomy, Sonko said at a conference in Dakar alongside French politician Jean-Luc Melenchon.

France has around 350 troops stationed in Senegal.

I reiterate here the desire of Senegal to have its control, which is incompatible with the lasting presence of foreign military bases in Senegal”, he said, adding that “foreign garrisons now occupy a third of the Dakar region.

Sonko also expressed support for neighbouring countries Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have expelled French troops and sought Russian assistance against jihadist insurgencies.

We will not let go of our brothers in the Sahel, and we will do everything necessary to strengthen the ties, he said.

Addressing economic issues, Sonko discussed the CFA franc, used by Senegal and seven other countries, advocating for a flexible currency pegged to at least two currencies to enhance export competitiveness.

During the election campaign, his chosen presidential candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, had initially promised to abandon the CFA franc but later retracted this pledge.

Sonko reiterated plans to renegotiate oil and gas contracts in Senegal, where production is set to begin this year.

On social issues, he urged Western countries to respect Senegal’s cultural values regarding LGBTQ rights.

He added that