Senegal’s President Faye arrived in France today to meet with French President Macron as both countries take steps to reset relations, which have faltered on multiple fronts, including military and economic issues.
The meeting comes just as France shut down its last military base in Senegal. Camp Gueule, France’s largest base in the West African country, and its airfield at Dakar airport, were formally returned in a ceremony attended by top French and Senegalese officials.
The move signalled a symbolic shift in the long-standing bilateral relationship and reflected general discontent with France across the African nation, effectively ending a 65-year presence in the country.
It marked the latest in a series of withdrawals from former colonies as Paris faces growing calls across Africa to end its military footprint.
After taking office in 2024, Faye ordered all foreign troops to leave Senegal as a protest and to assert full sovereignty.
However, he emphasized that France would remain a major partner for Senegal, stating, “Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” while also affirming that “France remains an important partner for Senegal.”
Senegal’s position as diplomatic reset begins
At the heart of the talks are efforts to reconcile Senegal’s colonial past with present-day cooperation.
Senegal is pressing for recognition of historical injustices, including atrocities committed during French rule, while also seeking new avenues for economic and strategic partnership.
Last year, Faye called on Paris to apologise for colonial atrocities, including the December 1, 1944 massacre of dozens of African troops who had fought for France in World War II. The nation is also demanding the release of archives surrounding the incident and official acknowledgment of the scale of the killings.
For France, the challenge lies in addressing these sensitivities while maintaining influence and fostering collaboration in trade, security, and development.
Both countries are also expected to address economic issues, including a dispute over the Dakar-Diamniadio express project.
According to Radio France Internationale, the row involves French construction company Eiffage and €150 million in unpaid bills, with both governments seeking ways to resolve the situation.
At the same time, the two sides aim to highlight shared priorities in sustainable development, education, and healthcare.
Beyond bilateral matters, Macron and Faye are expected to exchange views on regional crises and global challenges, ranging from instability in the Sahel to broader international trade issues.
Observers note that the outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for France’s broader engagement with West Africa, where many nations are reassessing historical ties and seeking greater recognition of colonial-era wrongs as they pursue more balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships.
