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Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko pointed to a decisive context that requires a change in historical patterns in its relations with Europe, the ex-colonizer.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko pointed to a decisive context that requires a change in historical patterns in its relations with Europe, the ex-colonizer. Sonko, who is also the leader of the PASTEF political party held a conference on the future of Africa-Europe ties and the new strategy with Europe was discussed threadbare at the meeting. Importantly, the meeting also had the presence of leftwing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the former French presidential candidate.
Speaking at the Cheikh Anta Diop University, in Dakar, Sonko hit out at France’s military presence in his country and across the continent. This, he said, raised legitimate concerns since it jeopardized the national sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the concerned African states. Referring to France’s decision in 1966 to close all NATO bases on the territory on sovereignty grounds, he said that it was the right decision. It may be recalled that nearly 400 soldiers are providing regional military training based at two camps in Dakar.
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However, Ousmane Sonko said that his view did not call into question existing defense agreements with other countries. In 2010, Senegal retook control of several military bases held by its former colonial ruler following an agreement.
