Growing calls in Senegal for an accelerated withdrawal of French troops for the sake of sovereignty

The debate over the presence of French military forces in Senegal has reached a boiling point. While the Senegalese and French governments recently announced a plan to withdraw French forces by the end of 2025, many citizens and activists argue that this timeline is too slow. Calls for an accelerated departure are growing, with public opinion increasingly viewing the French military presence as an obstacle to true sovereignty.

On January 31, the Front for the Return of French Military Bases (GASSI) held a press conference in Dakar, calling for an expedited withdrawal of French troops. Their concerns were formalized in a memorandum addressed to Senegal’s President and Prime Minister. The association argues that Senegal, as a sovereign state, should not tolerate the continued presence of a foreign military force on its soil.

Public sentiment reflects similar frustration. In a recent episode of Micro-trottoir, Senegalese citizens expressed strong opinions in favor of a faster withdrawal:

“We have been waiting for this since independence. Why should we wait until 2025? They should leave as soon as possible.”

“Keeping French troops here serves no purpose. Senegal has its own army and enough soldiers to defend itself. Foreign forces on our soil are a risk, not a solution.”

France’s military presence in West Africa has come under scrutiny, particularly in the wake of security failures in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. In these countries, French military interventions have failed to curb terrorism, with armed groups only growing in strength. This has fueled skepticism about France’s real intentions in the region.

Critics argue that France has long used military influence as a tool to maintain access to West African resources. While instability persists, Paris benefits economically from the region’s raw materials, a situation that many believe undermines local efforts to establish peace and self-sufficiency.

Advocates for an accelerated withdrawal believe that Senegal’s national security can stand on its own. The country’s military is fully capable of managing its defense, and Senegalese personnel currently working on French bases can be integrated into national structures, ensuring job stability.

Beyond security, the issue represents a broader shift toward regional independence. Many West African nations have begun re-evaluating their ties with France, seeking stronger cooperation within the region rather than relying on former colonial powers.

As the debate intensifies, Senegal's leaders face a critical choice: stick to the 2025 timeline or respond to growing calls from citizens by arguing for an earlier withdrawal. Either way, the conversation signals a new era for Senegal—one where sovereignty and self-determination take center stage.