Senegal: France begins handing back its military installations
First sites transferred as part of the military withdrawal
On Friday March 7, 2025, France officially handed back to Senegal several facilities used by its army. These are the first facilities to be transferred as part of the gradual withdrawal of French troops, which will be completed by the end of the year. The French Embassy in Dakar has announced the handover of the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts to the Senegalese government. Other rights-of-way will follow, according to a schedule drawn up jointly by the two countries.
A joint commission to organize the withdrawal
On February 12, Paris and Dakar set up a joint commission to define the modalities for the departure of French Elements in Senegal (EFS). The commission met for the first time on February 28, under the chairmanship of General Abdou Latif Kamara, Director of the Institut de Défense du Sénégal, in the presence of the French Ambassador, Christine Fages, and the EFS Commander, General Yves Aunis.
Discussions focused on the timetable for the handover of military sites and the renewal of the bilateral defense and security partnership.
A strategic turning point for Senegal
Since its independence in 1960, Senegal has been one of France’s most loyal African allies. However, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in 2024 on a platform of rupture, announced last November the end of all foreign military presence on Senegalese soil by 2025, in an assertive move towards national sovereignty.
Economic and social consequences
The withdrawal of EFS will have a direct impact on local employment. At present, the French military establishments in and around Dakar employ 162 people directly and between 400 and 500 more via subcontractors. The dismissal of all Senegalese personnel employed by EFS is scheduled for July 1, 2025, according to an internal letter published in the press.
In anticipation of these repercussions, the French army organized a job forum in Dakar on March 6, aimed at offering outplacement opportunities to affected employees within local companies.
Conclusion: A new era in Franco-Senegalese relations
The gradual return of French military installations marks a key stage in the redefinition of relations between France and Senegal. This transition is part of a clear commitment to strengthening Senegal’s sovereignty and diversifying its international partnerships. The coming months will be crucial for the future of security cooperation between the two countries.
