Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stated to AFP on Thursday that France ought to close its military bases in the West African nation as it approaches the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of a notorious colonial massacre.
Faye noted that French President Emmanuel Macron had acknowledged the involvement of French troops in the “massacre” of Senegalese soldiers in 1944. While he welcomed this recognition, Faye emphasized that the presence of French military bases in Senegal contradicts the country’s national sovereignty.
“Senegal is an independent nation, a sovereign nation, and sovereignty does not permit the existence of military bases within its territory,” Faye remarked during an interview at the presidential palace.
Having risen to power in the March elections with a commitment to reinforce Senegal’s sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign powers, Faye clarified that this stance does not signify a rupture with France, unlike the shifts observed in other West African nations in recent years.
“Currently, China is our largest trading partner regarding investment and trade. Does China maintain a military presence in Senegal? No. Does this imply that our relations are severed? No,” he explained.
Several francophone nations in West and Central Africa, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have experienced military takeovers that resulted in the expulsion of French forces, leading them to seek security assistance from Russia.
A report from Africa24hrs indicates that two sources within the French government informed AFP this year that France plans to reduce its military presence in Africa, decreasing troop numbers from 350 to 100 in Senegal and Gabon, from 1,000 to 300 in Chad, and from 600 to 100 in Ivory Coast.
“France continues to be a significant partner for Senegal, particularly in terms of investment and the presence of French companies and citizens in the country,” stated Faye.
The President of Senegal mentioned that he received a letter from Macron acknowledging France’s responsibility for a massacre that occurred during World War II at Thiaroye on December 1, 1944. This tragic event has historically been a source of tension between Paris and Dakar. In November 1944, approximately 1,600 African soldiers who had served France and were captured by Germany were returned to Dakar, as noted by French historian Armelle Mabon.
Upon their arrival at the Thiaroye camp, located just outside Dakar, they protested against delays in their pay, with some refusing to return to their home countries without receiving their owed compensation, French forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of at least 35 individuals, although historians suggest the actual number may be significantly higher.
“I received a letter today from President Emmanuel Macron in which he unequivocally acknowledges that it was a massacre,” Faye stated.
A Photo of a military base own by France in Senegal
