In a significant policy shift, Senegal’s President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye has declared that all foreign military presence in the country will cease by 2025.
This announcement, made during a New Year’s speech on Tuesday, follows his earlier commitment requiring France, Senegal’s former colonial ruler, to close its military bases within the nation.
“I have instructed the minister for the armed forces to propose a new doctrine for cooperation in defence and security,” Faye stated, emphasizing that this will involve ending foreign military presences.
This marks the first formal timeline set by Faye since taking office in April, following his election on a platform focused on restoring Senegal’s sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign powers.
Faye highlighted that Senegal aims to foster relationships based on strategic partnership, ensuring cooperation remains open, diversified, and free from external military influences.
“All of Senegal’s friends will be treated like strategic partners,” he affirmed. This move comes amid a broader regional trend, as neighboring Ivory Coast and Mali also reassess their military collaborations with France, reflecting a significant shift in West Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
