Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has demanded the closure of French military bases in Senegal, asserting that their continued presence undermines the country’s sovereignty. His comments come as the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, a painful episode in the colonial history of French-Senegalese relations.
Faye’s call follows a historic acknowledgment by French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently admitted that French forces were responsible for the massacre of Senegalese soldiers in 1944. The incident, which occurred in the aftermath of World War II, saw Senegalese soldiers—who had fought for France—gunned down by French troops at the Thiaroye military camp near Dakar, following protests over delayed pay. While the French government has admitted to the massacre, the true death toll remains disputed, with estimates ranging from 35 to over 100.
Speaking from the presidential palace, Faye welcomed Macron’s acknowledgment, calling it a “step forward” in addressing the atrocities of the past. However, Faye made it clear that the recognition should be followed by concrete actions. “Senegal is an independent and sovereign nation, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of foreign military bases on its soil,” he stated.
Faye, who assumed office earlier this year, has prioritized asserting Senegal’s autonomy and reducing reliance on foreign powers. While Senegal maintains strong economic ties with France, including investments and the presence of French businesses, the president’s comments reflect growing concerns about the continued influence of former colonial powers in Africa.
The issue of foreign military presence in the region has gained prominence in recent years. Several West and Central African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have expelled French troops amid increasing anti-colonial sentiment and a shift towards alternative security alliances. In response, France has indicated plans to reduce its military presence in Africa, with a particular focus on troop withdrawals from Senegal, Gabon, Chad, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Faye’s demand for the closure of French military bases is part of a broader push for Senegal to reclaim greater control over its security and foreign policy. Although he emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with France in areas such as investment and business, Faye’s position signals a new era in Senegal’s quest for full independence from former colonial powers.
The Thiaroye massacre remains a deeply sensitive issue for Senegal, and Faye has hinted at pushing for reparations from France. He expressed that the recognition of the massacre should lead to tangible actions, including a formal apology from France. “To acknowledge a massacre is one thing; making amends is another,” Faye remarked, signaling that Senegal will continue to press for justice in the years ahead.
As Senegal marks the anniversary of this tragic chapter, the call for the closure of French military bases underscores the ongoing tension between Africa’s post-colonial nations and the former colonial powers, highlighting the complex legacy of historical injustices and the ongoing struggle for sovereignty on the continent.
