France begins troop withdrawal from Senegal, vacates three military bases

France has started withdrawing its troops from Senegal and vacated three military bases.

The withdrawal of French troops from Senegal is underway, with the recent liberation of three military bases: "Maréchal", "Saint-Exupéry" and "Contre-amiral Protêt", Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

These sites were evacuated a few days ago, marking a significant step in the departure process.

According to available information, all French military personnel should have left the country by September at the latest. However, two points remain unresolved: the fate of the French Navy's Falcon 50 M aircraft and the situation at the Rufisque base.

Currently, approximately 200 French military personnel and their families are still present at the Ouakam camp and Rufisque.

The French military bases in Senegal, including the "Colonel Frédéric Geille" district in Ouakam and the "Contre-amiral Protet" district at the military port of Dakar, have played a significant role in military cooperation between France and Senegal. However, recent decisions have led to the gradual closure of these facilities, with complete withdrawal planned by the end of September 2025.

By Khagan Isayev