Senegal to End Foreign Military Presence by 2025, Says President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye
In a significant move, Senegal's President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye has announced that the country will no longer host foreign military presence by 2025. This decision marks a major shift in Senegal's foreign policy and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the region ¹.
According to President Faye, the decision is aimed at asserting Senegal's sovereignty and independence. In a speech to mark the New Year, Faye stated that he had instructed the Minister for the Armed Forces to propose a new doctrine for cooperation in defense and security. This doctrine would involve the end of all foreign military presence in Senegal by 2025 ¹.
The decision is seen as a significant departure from Senegal's historical ties with France, its former colonial power. France has maintained a military presence in Senegal since the country gained independence in 1960. However, in recent years, there has been growing sentiment in Senegal against the continued presence of foreign troops ¹.
President Faye's announcement comes just a month after he declared that France would have to close its military bases in Senegal. This move was seen as a significant assertion of Senegal's sovereignty and independence ¹.
Senegal's decision to end foreign military presence is likely to have significant implications for the region. The move may inspire other countries in West Africa to re-evaluate their relationships with foreign powers.
In recent years, there has been growing anti-French sentiment in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These countries have accused France of meddling in their internal affairs and have called for greater autonomy and independence ².
In a related development, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has announced that French forces will withdraw from the country in January. This move is seen as a significant step towards asserting Ivory Coast's sovereignty and independence ².
Ouattara stated that the withdrawal of French forces was a result of Ivory Coast's growing military capabilities and its desire to take greater control of its security affair.
In another development, Guinea's junta leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, has promised to hold elections in 2025. The elections are seen as a crucial step towards restoring democracy in Guinea, which has been under military rule since 2021 ².
Doumbouya stated that the elections would be held in a peaceful and transparent manner and would mark a significant step towards Guinea's transition to democracy.
In conclusion, Senegal's decision to end foreign military presence by 2025 marks a significant shift in the country's foreign policy and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the region. The move may inspire other countries in West Africa to re-evaluate their relationships with foreign powers and assert their sovereignty and independence.
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