(3 Minutes Read)
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has ordered that France should shut down its military bases. Last month, Paris was asked to remove some 350 French troops stationed on Senegalese soil, effectively ending a decades-old defence pact
Senegal, the bustling former French colony has suddenly sprung a surprise. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has ordered that France should shut down its military bases. Analysts say that the anti-French sentiment has been brewing for some time and the move was expected. Last month, Paris was asked to remove some 350 French troops stationed on Senegalese soil, effectively ending a decades-old defence pact.
This move, by Senegal is seen as part of a broader trend in West Africa where former French colonies are reasserting their sovereignty and distancing themselves from France. Faye, elected earlier this year on a nationalistic platform, argued that the continued French military presence was incompatible with Senegal’s independence. During his election campaigns, he promised to review Dakar’s relations with Paris.
The announcement coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre. French colonial forces killed dozens of West African soldiers who had served in World War II. After downplaying the massacre for a long, by France, it was officially acknowledged only in 2012, by French President Macron recently. Faye has called for reparations from France for the victims’ families.
Anto-French sentiments have been sweeping West Africa for some time, particularly in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These countries under military juntas expelled French troops and sought support from Russia. Protests in Senegal happened in 2023, with demonstrations against French businesses and prominent personalities.
Also Read;
https://trendsnafrica.com/?s=senegal
Faye has stated that Senegal will maintain economic relations with France, which remains an important trade partner. However, China has now surpassed France in trade and investment. This shift reflects a broader trend where former French colonies are seeking to diversify their alliances. Despite this, Faye and other leaders, like Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, are pushing for reparations and formal apologies from France for historical wrongs like the Thiaroye massacre.
