### Franco-Senegalese Tensions: Towards a Reassessment of Military Relations?
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent statements on the withdrawal of French troops in Africa have sent shockwaves not only through Senegal, but also through Chad. The latter has explicitly rejected the idea that these departures are the result of negotiations, instead highlighting a dynamic of unilateral and immediately pressing decision-making by African countries. This situation raises critical questions about the nature of bilateral relations between France and its former African colonies, while highlighting the necessary shift in defense and security policy in West Africa.
#### Rising Nationalist Sentiments
The history of Franco-African relations suggests a growing dependence of Sahel countries on France for security issues. However, with rising nationalist sentiments, countries like Senegal seem to want to assert their military sovereignty more. Senegal’s decision to announce the closure of French military bases by 2025 is a clear sign of this desire to free itself from what could be called “military neocolonialism”.
Senegal, with more than 200 French soldiers still present on its soil, is navigating in a context where foreign military presence is increasingly scrutinized and criticized. This situation could well be seen as an opportunity for Senegal to strengthen its own military capabilities while building partnerships with other nations, such as Germany or the United States, which are showing increasing interest in the continent.
#### A Balanced Response from the Senegalese Government
On the Senegalese side, the response of the authorities to Macron’s assertion was frank. In response to the announcement of the closure of the bases, the government mainly mentioned its desire for an orderly transition. The request for additional time to recover the keys to the military bases demonstrates a desire to control the withdrawal phase without creating a security vacuum that could be exploited by malign factions in the region.
The Rufisque and Ouakam bases, which house French-Senegalese formations, are strategically located and their closure could, in theory, weaken security cooperation. However, Senegal’s assertion that discussions with French authorities have not yet taken place suggests that the government is preparing a long-term plan for its own security.
#### Military and Economic Implications
The French withdrawal and possible closure of the military bases could also have significant economic consequences for Senegal. The military bases not only represent a symbol of cooperation, but also contribute to local economic flows. Foreign military presence boosts the local economy, and their absence could exacerbate imbalances in some already vulnerable areas.
On the other hand, it could also pave the way for new defense investments. Partnerships with private security companies or cooperation agreements with other nations could allow Senegal to modernize its military, and rely on a more autonomous security model, less dependent on former colonial powers.
#### Towards a New Regional Security Strategy
This situation calls into question the relevance of old-style military cooperation. With the rise of armed groups in the Sahel region, a reconfiguration of the security strategy is necessary. African states, including Senegal, could benefit from a collective approach, focused on sharing resources and information, to counter security threats.
In conclusion, recent events in Senegal, catalyzed by Macron’s remarks, highlight an urgent need for a reconsideration of military relations between France and African countries. Senegal, at the crossroads between colonial heritage and asserted military autonomy, illustrates this historic turning point that could well define the future of international relations in West Africa. As the withdrawal of French troops looms, the cornerstone of this transition will rest on Senegal’s ability to master its own security issues while forging strategic alliances based on mutual respect and sovereignty.