Senegal is set to officially take control of two French military sites on Friday, March 7, 2025, marking a significant step in France’s ongoing phased withdrawal from the West African country. This transition involves the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts, both located near Hann Park and the port of Dakar, which will now be under the full authority of Senegal.
According to French media reports, the transfer will be formalized through a signing process, although no public ceremony is planned. A source close to the process described the move as a routine and orderly step in the broader transition, which has been taking place as part of the long-term realignment of France’s military presence in the region.
While Senegal assumes control of these two military sites, France continues to maintain three other key installations in Senegal. These include a naval base located at the port of Dakar, a military facility situated in the central district of Ouakam, and a maritime surveillance site in Rufisque. These bases are strategically important for both French and Senegalese military operations, especially in the context of counterterrorism efforts and maritime security in the region.
The transition of these additional sites will be managed by a joint Franco-Senegalese commission, which is expected to finalize the timeline for the transfer of these remaining installations in the coming days. This development follows a broader trend of France scaling back its military footprint in several former colonies, part of a broader shift in French foreign policy and its military engagement in Africa.
The withdrawal of French military forces, particularly from countries like Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso, has been influenced by shifting political dynamics, growing local calls for greater sovereignty, and an evolving security landscape across the Sahel region. As France continues its strategic reassessment, the Senegalese military is expected to increasingly take the lead in maintaining regional security.
While this move represents a step toward greater independence for Senegal in managing its defense, the relationship between the two countries will likely remain a crucial one, with France’s continued support for Senegal’s military capabilities and operations in the region.
