Dakar — Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye conducted a thorough inspection on Saturday of the military sites recently handed back by France, a landmark moment symbolising restored sovereignty and a renewed bilateral partnership between the two nations.
Accompanied by key ministers and senior military officials, including General Mbaye Cissé, the country’s Chief of General Staff, President Faye visited strategic locations in Ouakam, Bel Air, and the Naval base—sites now fully under Senegalese control.
The visit aimed to assess infrastructure conditions spanning accommodation, logistics, and operational facilities in preparation for their future utilisation.
This inspection follows closely the official ceremony held two days earlier at Ouakam’s Camp Geille, which marked the formal conclusion of France’s permanent military presence in Senegal. The event featured senior military and diplomatic representatives from both countries and celebrated months of collaborative and fraternal negotiations culminating in France’s phased and coordinated withdrawal.
General Cissé emphasised Senegal’s commitment to forging a “renovated partnership” based on sovereignty and mutual respect, focusing on training, education, and technical support. On the French side, General Pascal Ianni, commander of the French Command for Africa, described the handover as “historic,” signalling the opening of “a new chapter” in military relations between Dakar and Paris.
The handover of military installations is the result of a bilateral dialogue “rooted in mutual respect,” according to Senegalese officials. It heralds “a new era of strategic cooperation,” affirming with clarity and confidence Senegal’s sovereignty over critical defence assets.
This transition reflects broader shifts in Africa-Europe relations, as Senegal navigates a path towards self-determination while maintaining strategic alliances grounded in respect and collaboration.
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