France returns military base to Senegal marking the end of its presence in West Africa • FRANCE 24

It was a military presence that began in 1960, the year Sagal gained its independence. Now with French troops withdrawing from Camp Jer, a chapter ends not just for Sagal, but for France’s military presence across Africa. In the wake of decolonization, France signed a series of defense agreements with newly independent nations like Kivvoir and Sagal. The goal to support these new governments and train their military forces. By 1970, France had 20,000 soldiers stationed across the continent. Since 1959, over 90 military operations have been carried out, earning France the nickname Africa’s policemen. French commandos. Some were defensive missions. Others like the 2011 intervention against Lauron Bagbau in the K Devoir were more direct. Among the longest was operation Barcane from 2014 to 2022. A campaign that helped prevent a jihadist takeover in Mali’s capital. But in the end, French forces were pushed out first by a military coup in Mali, then Bikina Faso and Nigeria. By 2022, only 6,000 French troops remained in Africa. Across the continent, public opinion increasingly rejected France’s military bases, often seen as relics of colonial influence. In 2024, Chad ended its military partnership with France. Kavoir called for a return of its space and Gabon’s base in Libraville became a shared site. With the shutdown of Campa in Sagal, France’s permanent military footprint in West and Central Africa has come to an end. Today, France’s only remaining base on the continent is in Djibouti with 1,500 troops.

France will formally hand over its last military bases in Senegal on Thursday, ending a 65-year presence in the country. The move marks the latest in a string of withdrawals from former colonies as Paris faces growing calls across Africa to end its military footprint. Daniel Quinlan reports.
#France #Senegal #military

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4 comments

  2. France was kicked out from whole Africa replaced by russians. Well done to french for been so weak and also to africans for changing to most evil nation on this planet

  3. I wish Senegal all the worst now they are independent country. No funds from France and the EU, ban of entry for their citizens, sending home all Senegalese citizens in Europe. Go to Russia and China than

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