Senegal follows Chad, seeks to end French military presence

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Nov 2024 05:22
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Senegal announces plans to close French military bases, redefine its partnership with France, and enhance its sovereignty by diversifying international relations.

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addresses the audience on July 25 2024 at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, France. (AP)

Senegalese President Bassiro Diomaye Faye announced that France would have to close its military bases in Senegal, emphasizing that the country would not allow military bases of any foreign state on its soil, as their presence contradicts Senegal's sovereignty.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse, Faye discussed an upcoming update to Senegal’s military cooperation doctrine, stating that the revision "clearly means there will be no military bases in Senegal for any country."

Faye stressed the need to redefine Senegal's partnership with France, ensuring it is based on cooperation and mutual respect, free from any military presence. He reaffirmed Senegal's move to diversify its international partnerships away from foreign military presence, citing strong ties with countries like China, its top trade partner, without the need for military bases.

The Senegalese president welcomed France's acknowledgment of its responsibility for the Thiaroye massacre, committed by French forces near Dakar in early 1944, calling it a significant step. He expressed appreciation for the letter of recognition sent by French President Emmanuel Macron, who apologized for his inability to attend the upcoming 80th anniversary commemoration of the massacre.

Faye did not rule out the possibility of Senegal demanding compensation for the victims' families. He further emphasized his commitment to enhancing Senegal’s sovereignty and pursuing a new course in its international relations based on equitable cooperation and mutual respect.

It is worth noting that amid growing anti-French sentiment in its former colonies, France has already planned to scale back its military presence in West and Central Africa to around 600 troops from around 2,200 now.

Chad ends defense cooperation agreement with France, cites sovereignty

Chad has officially terminated its revised 2019 defense cooperation agreement with France, its former colonizer, as announced by the country's foreign ministry on Thursday.

The central African nation, which remained one of the two members of the Sahel G5 after Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger exited the alliance, stated that the move is aimed at strengthening its sovereignty and reassessing its strategic partnerships after 66 years of independence.

"In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Chad will adhere to the required procedures for termination, including necessary deadlines, and will work with French authorities to ensure a smooth transition," the statement read.

While this decision will lead to the withdrawal of French troops from Chad, the foreign ministry emphasized that it does not in any way question the broader relations between the two countries.

The French foreign ministry has yet to comment on the announcement.