Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Nov. 29, 2024. X/ @fidel_beckie

Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also decided to terminate their security agreements with France.

On Thursday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared that France must close its military bases, as their presence is incompatible with Senegal’s sovereignty.

“Senegal is an independent and sovereign country. Sovereignty is not compatible with the presence of military bases in the country,” he stated, clarifying that Senegal does not seek a rupture with France but rather a redefinition of their relationship based on a “renewed partnership.”

His remarks, however, confirm the decline of France’s influence in its former African colonies. Previously, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger also decided to terminate their security agreements with France.

Faye noted that Senegal maintains relations with Russia, Türkiye, China, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, none of which have military bases in Senegal.

The text reads, “’France enslaved, colonised and stayed. If the roles were reversed, it would be very difficult to imagine another army having a military base in France,’ President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said of the French military presence in Senegal.”

“The presence or absence of military forces should not equate to a rupture… It is necessary that there be no military bases from any country in Senegal. A renewed partnership can only be established on truth and the fullness of truth,” affirmed Faye.

Also on Thursday, Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah announced his government’s decision to end its security and defense cooperation with Paris.

“France is an essential partner, but now it must also recognize that Chad has grown and matured. Chad is a sovereign state and deeply protective of its sovereignty,” he said.

“After 66 years since the proclamation of the Republic, it is time for Chad to assert its full sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities,” he added.

teleSUR/ JF Source: Liberation – Time – La Opinion – AFP