France’s Final Withdrawal from Francophone West Africa: A Victory for Sovereignty

(WASHINGTON, DC – July 20, 2025) – After more than six decades of post-colonial military presence, France has officially withdrawn its last permanent troops from Francophone West Africa. This departure marks a significant triumph for nations reclaiming full sovereignty and marks a pivotal moment in the region’s history.

🏳️ Final Handover in Senegal

In Dakar on July 17, 2025, France ceremonially transferred Camp Geille—its largest base in Senegal—and an adjacent air facility to Senegalese authorities. Around 350 French soldiers, who had been engaged in joint operations with the Senegalese army, are now departing, concluding a withdrawal process that began in March Business Insider Africa+2AP News+2Reuters+2.
French General Pascal Ianni described the handover as part of a strategic shift toward “flexible partnerships,” while Senegal’s Gen. Mbaye Cissé hailed the move as bolstering “the autonomy of the Senegalese armed forces” and strengthening regional peace Business Insider Africa+2AP News+2Reuters+2.

🇸🇳 Regional Trend: From Bases to Self-Reliance

This withdrawal aligns with a growing wave across French-speaking Africa. Nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire have recently expelled French troops, terminated defence agreements, or amicably handed back bases. The move reflects mounting public and political opposition to what is perceived as neocolonial control Business Insider AfricaAP NewsReuters.

✊ Senegal’s Sovereignty Stand

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024, made France’s military exit a central campaign promise. Senegal now joins other West African nations in asserting that foreign military installations are incompatible with national autonomy Business Insider Africa+7Reuters+7AP News+7. The country, however, maintains diplomatic ties with France and seeks cooperation “on its own terms,” consistent with civilian governance.

🌍 France’s New Strategic Vision

France plans to shift from maintaining permanent bases to providing training, intelligence sharing, and targeted support—responding to requests rather than unilateral deployment AP News+1Reuters+1. Its only remaining permanent military base in Africa will be in Djibouti, serving as its continental hub.

🧭 Implications Ahead

The pullout represents more than military realignment—it’s a strategic recalibration. African nations are gaining agency over defence, forging new alliances (notably with Russia in the Sahel), and redefining foreign partnerships independent of their colonial past. For France, this marks a reorientation from direct control toward a support-based role.

🔗 Original Articles & Author Profiles

• Babacar Dione & Mark Banchereau, Associated Press.
  “France withdraws from Senegal, ending its permanent military presence in West Africa.” AP News, July 17, 2025. Business Insider Africa+8AP News+8AP News+8Wikipedia+6BusinessMirror+6BusinessMirror+6

• Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa.
  “French military era ends in West Africa as Senegal reclaims last base.” Business Insider Africa, July 17, 2025. Muck Rack+13Business Insider Africa+13e-mc2.gr+13

• Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa.
  Profile: “Chinedu is a Senior Reporter at Business Insider Africa with 5 years of experience creating profoundly engaging and insightful content.” Business Insider Africa+4Business Insider Africa+4Business Insider Africa+4

• Babacar Dione & Mark Banchereau, Associated Press.
  Author profiles: Babacar Dione & Mark Banchereau, AP journalists covering West and Central Africa. Wikipedia+6BusinessMirror+6BusinessMirror+6