As the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre approaches, Senegalese authorities have ordered the closure of all French military bases in the country. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, speaking to AFP, emphasized that the presence of foreign troops is incompatible with Senegal’s sovereignty.
“Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” Faye said from the presidential palace. He highlighted that the decision reflects Senegal’s broader agenda to assert independence without severing diplomatic and economic ties with France.
Faye, who won the March elections on a platform of bolstering national autonomy, noted that Senegal remains committed to maintaining cooperative relations with France. Using China as an example, he pointed out that the absence of military presence does not hinder robust trade and investment partnerships. “China is our largest trading partner in terms of investment and trade. Does China have a military presence in Senegal? No. Does that mean our relations are cut? No,” he remarked.
This decision aligns Senegal with a broader regional shift, as West African nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also expelled French troops, often turning to Russian military support. France has responded to these developments by scaling down its African military presence, reducing troops in Senegal from 350 to 100.
The decision comes amid growing reflection on historical injustices, including France’s acknowledgment of its role in the 1944 Thiaroye massacre. French forces killed at least 35 Senegalese soldiers who had protested delayed pay after fighting for France in World War II. President Faye revealed that he recently received a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron admitting responsibility for the killings.
“I received today a letter from President Emmanuel Macron in which he acknowledges that it was a massacre, very clearly, unambiguously on the terms,” Faye said, describing the acknowledgment as a significant step forward. However, he stressed the need for reparations to fully address the historical wrongs. “To recognize that a massacre has been committed must obviously have the effect of making amends. Naturally, this is what must follow,” he added.
Faye’s stance reflects a growing call in Africa for greater self-determination and justice for historical grievances. By demanding accountability and charting its independent path forward, Senegal aims to redefine its relationship with former colonial powers. As Faye articulated, sovereignty is about more than symbols—it is about tangible actions that affirm a nation’s right to self-governance and historical redress.