Senegal leader calls on France to close military bases

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for the closure of French military bases in Senegal ahead of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre.

In an interview with AFP on Thursday, Faye said that France’s military presence in Senegal is “incompatible” with the country’s sovereignty.

The former tax inspector, who rose to power at the general election last March behind the promise of achieving Senegal’s independence, said: “Sovereignty does not allow for foreign military presence on our soil.”

However, Faye insisted that his call for the withdrawal of French troops should not be seen as a rupture in bilateral relations.

“Senegal is an independent country, but that doesn’t mean we sever ties with our partners. China, for example, is our largest trading partner today, and yet it does not maintain a military presence here,” he told French broadcasters.

Dark chapter in colonial history

Senegal is due to celebrate the anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre this Sunday, a contentious chapter between both countries.  

The new president claimed French President Emmanuel Macron admitted French responsibility for the notorious killings in December 1944, in which at least 35 Senegalese soldiers were killed by French forces.

According to historians, around 1,600 African soldiers who had fought for France were repatriated after being taken prisoner by Nazi forces during the Second World War.

Upon their return to Senegal, they protested delays in pay and compensation, but French forces responded with brutal violence, opening fire on the unarmed soldiers.

While the official death toll stands at 35, many historians believe the true number of casualties may be much higher.

Macron reportedly sent a letter to Faye acknowledging the French military’s involvement, describing it as “a massacre” in unequivocal terms.

Faye hailed the gesture as a “great step” towards reconciliation but stressed that France’s apology must go further.

“To recognise a massacre is one thing, but it must lead to concrete actions. Making amends is an inevitable next step,” Faye said.

Despite the call for the withdrawal of French forces, Faye suggested that Dakar continues to value its partnership with Paris — particularly in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

“France remains an important partner for Senegal, both economically and in terms of the many French nationals living here,” he said.

On the same day, the Élysée Palace dealt with another blow after Chad announced it was terminating a key defence agreement.

Hours after a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the Chadian counterpart Abderaman Koulamallah said France will pull out about 1,000 soldiers and warplanes stationed in the region.

Confirming the move, Koulamallah said: “Chad has grown up, matured and is a sovereign state that is very jealous of its sovereignty”.

Other West African nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have expelled French forces and sought Russian military aid in the last two years.

After military coups, these countries, have increasingly turned to Russia as an alternative to French military support, marking a shift away from the post-colonial influence in the region.