France returns final military bases in Senegal after 65-year troop presence

CAIRO – 17 July 2025: France on Thursday officially returned its last military bases in Senegal, marking the end of its permanent military installations in West and Central Africa, the AFP reported.

The handover ceremony, attended by senior officials from both France and Senegal, included the transfer of Camp Geille, the largest French base in Senegal, along with the airfield at Dakar airport.

This withdrawal concludes 65 years of French military presence in Senegal and follows a trend of similar withdrawals across the continent.

Approximately 350 French soldiers, whose main role has been to conduct joint operations with the Senegalese military, will depart the country following a three-month withdrawal process that began in March.

Following a decisive victory in the 2024 elections, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for the complete withdrawal of French troops by 2025.