Prolonged Stay of French Troops 'irks' Senegalese Leader

In a bold statement that could reshape Senegal's foreign policy and military alliances, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has openly discussed the possibility of closing French military bases in Senegal.

Speaking at a conference in Dakar, Sonko expressed doubts about the continued necessity of French military presence, over six decades after Senegal gained independence from France.

Sonko's remarks underscored a growing sentiment regarding national sovereignty and the appropriateness of foreign military bases on Senegalese soil.

"I reiterate here the desire of Senegal to have its own control, which is incompatible with the lasting presence of foreign military bases in Senegal," he declared, highlighting a shift towards greater autonomy in national defense matters.

The prime minister also indicated a strategic pivot in regional alliances, noting his intention to strengthen ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

These nations have recently expelled French troops and sought assistance from Russia in combating jihadist insurgencies, marking a significant realignment in West African military and diplomatic relations.

This development comes after the recent election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as president, who appointed the firebrand Sonko as his prime minister.

The discussion of removing French military installations aligns with a broader trend of reassessment of colonial-era ties and military agreements in the region.

As Senegal contemplates this major policy decision, the implications for regional security and international relations continue to draw significant attention, both locally and globally.

The move could signal a new era of assertiveness in Senegal's foreign policy, reflecting a broader wave of reevaluation of foreign military presences in Africa.