By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
On November 29, 2024, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for the closure of French military bases in the country, as part of a broader assertion of Senegal’s independence. This demand comes as Senegal approaches the 80th anniversary of the 1944 Thiaroye massacre, a painful chapter in the nation’s history, where French forces killed Senegalese soldiers protesting unpaid wages after World War II.
Faye’s statement is in line with a rising trend in West Africa, where countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have recently expelled French military forces in favor of new security alliances. Although Faye emphasized that Senegal does not seek to sever diplomatic relations with France, the move marks a clear desire to recalibrate the bilateral relationship toward more equal footing.
As France reduces its military presence across Africa—troops stationed in Senegal, for instance, are set to decrease from 350 to just 100—Faye’s call highlights both the changing dynamics of France’s involvement in the region and the growing demand for sovereignty among African nations. French President Emmanuel Macron has recently acknowledged France’s role in the Thiaroye massacre, describing it as a “massacre” for the first time, an important step in acknowledging past wrongs. However, Faye has indicated that such recognition must be followed by reparations and a formal apology.
Despite pushing for the military withdrawal, Faye was careful to underline France’s continued importance as an economic partner, as French companies remain heavily invested in Senegal’s economy. This delicate balance between addressing historical grievances and fostering economic ties underscores the complexity of Senegal’s evolving relationship with its former colonial power.
Senegal’s stance mirrors a growing wave of African nations seeking to assert their sovereignty and reframe their relationships with former colonial powers. While the push for military withdrawal reflects broader regional trends, it also signals a deeper desire for justice and recognition of past injustices. It will be interesting to see how France responds to these demands, balancing historical acknowledgment with continued economic partnerships. However, the real challenge will lie in finding a path that addresses both the legacy of colonialism and the pragmatic needs of modern diplomacy.
