French military withdrawal from Senegal / Africa no longer willing to obey colonizers

Pars Today – French forces have been compelled to withdraw from Senegal.

Since March, France has begun transferring its military bases to Senegal. This withdrawal marks the end of 65 years of French military presence in the country, following similar retreats by French troops across the continent, leaving France without any permanent military camps in West and Central Africa.

According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, France officially ended its years of military presence in Senegal on Thursday by handing over its last military bases. As a result, around 350 French soldiers, whose primary mission was conducting joint operations with the Senegalese army, will leave the West African nation after a three-month withdrawal process. 

Previously, African countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso expelled French forces and shut down their bases. 

With the expulsion of French military forces from African nations, the continent’s governments are seeking to usher in a new era of political sovereignty based on full independence. 

But why do Africans want French troops out of the continent?

The withdrawal of French military forces from African countries, especially in recent years, can be attributed to a combination of political, economic, and social factors at domestic, regional, and international levels. 

In some African nations, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, France’s military presence has faced strong public opposition. Many local populations and political groups argue that French forces have not only failed to improve their countries' security but have, in many cases, exacerbated crises, violence, and terrorism. For example, in Mali, civilians have repeatedly witnessed French military errors, including the killing of innocent people instead of terrorists. 

Africans, especially after the discovery of mass graves near French military bases, have come to realize that France is more concerned with its own interests than with security, genuine stability, or the development of African nations. As a result, they have officially demanded France’s departure from their lands. 

Moreover, Africa’s historical memory retains the crimes and plunder committed by France and other exploitative nations, which is why the continent’s new generation refuses to submit to or align with France. 

Additionally, in recent years, with social, political, and cultural progress in many African countries, they have taken a more active role in international affairs, striving to expand relations with other nations, particularly emerging global powers like Russia, China, and Iran.  

Over the past decade, new political movements and parties have emerged in many African countries, leading to the rise of new governments. Many nations have held democratic elections, while others are preparing to do so. With these political shifts, achieving full independence and redefining foreign relations has become a priority for African states. The people of the continent are no longer willing to blindly follow France’s demands and policies. 

This situation has effectively forced France, especially in recent years, to reconsider its policies toward Africa and conclude that it must withdraw from the continent.

MG/ME