France: PSG resumes training in dispersed order before the match against Vannes”>Senegal‘s President Calls forPhased Withdrawal of French Troops
In a decisive statement, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has expressed his desire for the withdrawal of French soldiers from Senegal, believing their presence is incompatible with the nation’s sovereignty.
“Why would we need French soldiers in Senegal? Which country can have foreign soldiers on its soil and claim its independence?” queries President Faye, highlighting the fundamental tension he perceives between the military presence and Senegal’s aspiration for full autonomy.
The presence of approximately 350 French troops in Senegal stems from a longstanding treaty, framed as a “preventive posture” by the French Ministry of Armed Forces. However, President Faye argues that Senegal’s cooperation with other global powers, such as the United States, China, and Turkey, demonstrates that a military base is not a prerequisite for fruitful international relations.
“We have cooperation with the United States, China, and even Turkey without these countries having a base on our soil,” President Faye points out. “Is France capable of doing this? Is it not because the French have been there since the period of slavery that it is impossible to do otherwise?”
While President Faye emphasizes the need for French troops to eventually leave Senegal, he asserts that the departure should be a gradual process. He refrains from setting a specific deadline, stating that the withdrawal will happen “for the moment” without further elaboration.
Despite his call for the French military presence to end, President Faye underlines that diplomatic relations between Senegal and France remain strong.
“Relations with France remain in good shape,” he affirms, suggesting a desire to maintain amicable ties even as Senegal pursues its vision of full sovereignty.
President Faye’s declaration comes amidst a broader shift in geopolitical dynamics in Africa, where Russia is steadily expanding its military influence, often at the expense of France’s traditional dominance. This evolving landscape adds another layer of complexity to Senegal’s decision to phase out the French military presence.
How has the history of French colonialism in West Africa influenced current sentiments towards the presence of French troops?
## France to Withdraw Troops from West Africa: A Conversation
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s recent call for a phased withdrawal of French troops from Senegal is Dr. Abena Obi, a specialist in Franco-African relations. Dr. Obi, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Obi:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** President Faye’s statement was quite strong. He stated that the presence of French soldiers is incompatible with Senegal’s sovereignty. Could you elaborate on the historical context behind this sentiment?
**Dr. Obi:** Certainly. France has maintained a significant military presence in its former colonies, particularly in West Africa, for decades. This legacy of colonialism and its lingering political and economic ties have fueled tensions. Many Africans, like President Faye, view the presence of these troops as a symbol of continued interference and a violation of their national autonomy.
**Host:** We’ve seen recent news about France planning troop withdrawals from other West African nations. [1](https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/Africa-press-sources-France-plans-to-withdraw-another-600-military-units/) Could this be connected to President Faye’s statement and a wider shift in the region?
**Dr. Obi:** It’s certainly possible. This appears to be part of a broader trend of African nations asserting their independence and demanding greater control over their security affairs. The recent coups and rising anti-French sentiment in countries like Mali and Burkina Faso highlight this growing desire for self-determination.
**Host:** What are the potential implications of a French withdrawal for both Senegal and the wider region?
**Dr. Obi:** A withdrawal could have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it could strengthen Senegal’s sovereignty and allow the country to develop its own security architecture. However, it could also create a security vacuum that could be exploited by militant groups in a region already plagued by instability. The success of any withdrawal will depend on whether Senegal is prepared to assume full responsibility for its own security and whether regional partnerships are strengthened to address shared threats.
**Host:** Dr. Obi, thank you for sharing your expertise on this complex issue. It will be fascinating to see how this situation unfolds in the coming months.
**Dr. Obi:** It’s a crucial moment for Senegal and the wider region.
