France handed over its last two military facilities in Senegal to local authorities on Thursday, marking the end of its permanent military presence in the West African country.
Camp Geille, the largest French military installation in Senegal, located in the capital Dakar, and the French air detachment at Dakar's international airport were officially transferred to the Senegalese state at a ceremony attended by Mbaye Cisse, chief of General Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, and Pascal Ianni, commander of French forces in Africa.
French troops have been present in Senegal since the country gained independence in 1960. On December 31, 2024, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged French forces to leave the country when delivering his New Year's address.
"This ceremony marks the end of the permanent French military presence in Senegal. This presence dates back more than two centuries," said Ianni at the ceremony.
France's forces in the country primarily focused on military training and regional cooperation, according to the French general.
"Our mission was to train the Senegalese armed forces and others in the region. This partnership went beyond the barracks, it extended into local communities," said Ianni.
"We respect the decision of Senegal's authorities to no longer host a permanent foreign force. This marks a shift, not an erasure, of our shared security history," he said.
The decision of Senegal is a move toward redefining sovereignty and defense cooperation, according to the top Senegalese military official.
"Our armies have embraced a new format, one that aligns with Senegal's vision for modern, sovereign defense partnerships. France's support in training and logistics helped develop our armed forces. That cooperation is recognized and appreciated," said Cisse in his public speech at the event.
There are around 350 French soldiers primarily tasked with conducting joint operations with the Senegalese army. They will leave the west African nation after a three-month departure process.
In recent years, several African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Côte d'Ivoire, have called for the withdrawal of French troops and the handover of their military bases.
French military ends permanent presence in Senegal
French military ends permanent presence in Senegal
French military ends permanent presence in Senegal
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
