Can't read it? Listen now!
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has sparked debate over the presence of French troops in Senegal, questioning their compatibility with the nation’s sovereignty. In an exclusive interview with Le Monde, the 44-year-old leader described the withdrawal of French forces as “evident” but refrained from setting a definitive timeline.
“Why should there be French soldiers in Senegal? What country can have foreign military forces on its soil and still claim independence?” Faye remarked, advocating for a self-reliant and independent military posture.
The presence of French troops in Senegal, tied to agreements dating back to the colonial era, has long been a point of contention. Currently, around 350 French soldiers are stationed in Senegal as part of defense treaties. However, Faye’s statements reflect a broader shift among African nations reassessing their ties to former colonial powers, particularly France.
The move comes as France’s influence in Francophone Africa wanes amid growing skepticism about its role on the continent. Meanwhile, countries like Russia, China, and Turkey are expanding their reach, offering military and economic partnerships that don’t require permanent bases.
Faye’s call for troop withdrawal echoes a regional trend. In recent years, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have either expelled or significantly reduced French military presence, aligning with nationalist movements and alternative partnerships.
Faye’s remarks coincide with preparations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, where dozens—possibly hundreds—of African soldiers were killed by French forces in 1944 after demanding back pay.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent acknowledgment of the massacre as a “massacre” rather than a “mutiny” has been praised as a step toward reconciliation. However, Faye insists that more needs to be done, including full access to French archives to uncover the truth about the killings.
“This recognition is important, but we still lack answers about how many were killed and where they were buried,” Faye said. “Our committee of historians is currently in France, and we hope for unrestricted access to the archives.”
Despite his criticisms, Faye emphasized that Senegal’s relations with France remain “positive.” He acknowledged the historical and cultural ties between the two nations while advocating for a more balanced partnership that does not involve permanent military bases.
“France has been here since the era of slavery, but that doesn’t mean we can’t chart a different course,” Faye said, referencing Senegal’s growing partnerships with countries like the United States, China, and Turkey, which have no permanent military presence on Senegalese soil.
As Senegal navigates this critical juncture, Faye’s statements reflect a broader desire among African nations to redefine their sovereignty and engage with global powers on their own terms. Whether this vision materializes without destabilizing existing security arrangements will depend on careful diplomacy and strategic planning.
