A series of military withdrawals
Since 2022, several African countries, often led by military juntas, have demanded the departure of French forces. Firstly, in February 2022, the Malian junta ordered the immediate withdrawal of French troops. This marked the closure of the largest French military base abroad, with 2,400 soldiers. This decision will be followed by that of Burkina Faso. On 19 February 2023, the end of French special forces operations was announced. This came as a result of growing tensions between the Burkinabe authorities and Paris. Finally, following the coup d’état in July 2023 led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani in Niger, the 1,500 French soldiers left the country on 22 December 2023. This action symbolises a major break in bilateral relations.
Senegal and Chad follow in their footsteps
On 30 November 2024, Senegal and Chad simultaneously requested the withdrawal of French troops present on their soil. This announcement came at a time when the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, was visiting N’Djamena. These two countries, historic partners of France, are currently home to 1,350 French troops.
Chad is the last Sahelian country to host French troops. The country invoked its desire for ‘full and complete sovereignty’. ‘The time has come to assert its sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships’, said a Chadian representative.
As for Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said: ‘Sovereignty cannot be reconciled with the presence of military bases in an independent country ».
A different context from other withdrawals ?
Jean-Michel Fauvergues, former head of the Raid, points out that the demands of Senegal and Chad differ from previous withdrawals in countries run by military juntas, such as Mali and Niger. These two stable, democratic states want greater autonomy in their defence policy, while envisaging continued military cooperation, albeit on a redefined basis.
A shrinking French military presence
France retains a significant military presence on the continent. Indeed, around 2,400 troops are stationed in Ivory Coast (600), Gabon (350) and Djibouti (1,500). However, these recent departures underline a strategic repositioning, both for Paris and for African countries. Africa is demanding greater control over its security and strategic alliances. This wave of departures illustrates a pivotal moment in Franco-African relations. The sovereignty of African states is taking centre stage in bilateral negotiations.
