Senegal’s government has announced the closure of all foreign military bases in the country, signaling a shift in its stance towards France.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made the declaration on Friday, emphasizing that the move was directed at French military forces stationed in Senegal.
Although Sonko did not explicitly name French troops, no other foreign forces maintain military bases in the West African nation.
This decision comes as part of a broader trend in the region, where countries like Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso have recently expelled French forces.
Sonko’s statement, delivered during a general policy address to the National Assembly, did not provide a timeline for the withdrawal of French troops.
This announcement follows a remark by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in November, indicating that French soldiers would soon depart from Senegalese soil.
“The President of the Republic has decided to close all foreign military bases in the very near future,” Sonko declared.
French officials did not respond to the announcement at the time.
The decision reflects growing discontent across Africa regarding France’s military presence.
Once a colonial power in much of the continent, France has faced increasing opposition from African leaders who criticize its approach as outdated and domineering.
France has already withdrawn from several African nations, including Mali and Burkina Faso, and confirmed its handover of military bases in Chad last week.