Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has visited several former French military sites recently handed over to Senegal, in what the presidency described as a major milestone in redefining the country’s defense relationship with France.
According to an official statement, President Faye toured the Ouakam, Bel Air, and Naval Base facilities now fully under Senegalese control to assess their condition and evaluate their potential use for future national defense operations.
The visit focused on reviewing infrastructure for logistics, accommodation, and operational readiness, as part of a broader strategy to boost national capacity and self-reliance in military affairs.
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“The handover of these facilities, achieved through bilateral dialogue founded on mutual respect, marks the beginning of a new era of strategic cooperation. It will now emphasize training, interoperability, and the strengthening of Senegal’s national defense capabilities,” the presidency stated.
The development follows France’s formal transfer on Thursday of its last two military installations in Senegal Camp Geille, the country’s largest French military base, and the French air detachment at Dakar International Airport.
With the transfer, France’s permanent military presence in Senegal has officially ended, symbolizing a shift toward greater sovereignty and self-determination for the West African nation.
The move has been widely seen as part of President Faye’s broader agenda to assert Senegal’s autonomy in foreign and security policy, while maintaining constructive partnerships based on mutual respect.
