France has begun the process of withdrawing its troops from Senegal, officially handing over its first military bases to local authorities, according to French media reports.

On March 7, France quietly signed protocols for the transfer of two French military bases in the capital, Dakar. These are the first of five French military facilities to be handed over in Senegal.

The signing of the protocol marked the official handover of two former French military bases to Senegal. These sites, located near the port, are named after Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry and feature a collection of vacant buildings and hangars.

In the future, three more sites are set to be transferred: one at the port, another in the central Ouakam district, and a naval base located at the entrance to Dakar in Rufisque.

This marks the first step in the complete withdrawal of the French military contingent from Senegal, which at its peak numbered around 350 soldiers. The process is expected to be completed by the end of September, though no precise timeline has been set for the transfer of the remaining facilities.

Meanwhile, France continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Senegalese government, signing defense agreements to supply weapons to the Senegalese military.

In particular, last year, the country received the second ordered OPV-58S missile boat, which significantly strengthened the capabilities of the African country’s fleet.

Withdrawal of troops from Africa

The closure of military bases in Senegal is part of a larger strategy to reduce France’s military footprint across Africa. Just a month earlier, a similar move was made in Côte d’Ivoire with the transfer of a base.

In recent years, French troops have also withdrawn from countries such as Chad, Mali, the Republic of the Niger, and Burkina Faso. However, France still maintains a military presence in Djibouti and Gabon.

France is actively working to reinvigorate its political and military influence across the continent, having developed a new military strategy that significantly reduces its permanent presence in Africa.

Meanwhile, China continues to expand its footprint, securing contracts to supply military equipment to African nations, including Côte d’Ivoire. Just a year ago, the country received a shipment of 105 mm wheeled assault vehicles, the VN-22B, manufactured by NORINCO.

In 2024, the United States also withdrew its troops from the Republic of the Niger, maintaining only a small contingent to safeguard its embassy and carry out administrative responsibilities.