DAKAR — France formally began its military withdrawal from Senegal on Friday, transferring control of two key facilities to the West African nation as part of a broader shift in its regional strategy.

"The French side handed over to the Senegalese side the facilities and housing in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts on Friday, March 7, 2025," the French Embassy in Senegal said in a statement.

"Located near the Hann Park, these districts were ready to be returned since the summer of 2024."

The move follows Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s push to remove foreign forces from the country, reflecting a growing wave of opposition to France’s military presence in West Africa.

France’s influence in the region has declined in recent years, with its forces also exiting Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad amid rising local resistance.

A joint commission was established last month to coordinate the withdrawal, and the French military recently dismissed 162 Senegalese personnel stationed at bases in Dakar.

However, the French Embassy did not disclose the total number of remaining troops in Senegal.

France has announced plans to significantly reduce its military footprint in Africa, with Djibouti expected to be its only permanent base on the continent.

Paris has stated that future defense engagement in the region will be limited to training or targeted military support based on requests from individual nations. — Agencies