France withdraws from Senegal after 65 years, ends military presence in Central, West Africa

France withdraws from Senegal after 65 years, ends military presence in Central, West Africa

France has handed over the last military base in Senegal to the country’s government. Now France does not have any permanent military presence in central and western Africa. The pushback against French presence has come in recent years even as jihadist insurgency has gained traction lately.

Senegal’s Chief of General Staff, General Mbaye Cisse (R), and France’s General Pascal Ianni, who commands France’s troops in Africa, salute as the Senegalese flag is raised during a ceremony where France will return Camp Geille, its largest base in the country, and its airfield at Dakar airport, in Dakar on July 17, 2025. (Photo: Patrick Meinhardt/AFP)