France told to vacate military bases by African countries

Termination of defense agreements means reclaiming national sovereignty for these countries while providing space for powers like Russia and China.

DAKAR, Senegal, (MNTV) – French troops have been asked to vacate their military bases in several African countries as these nations seek to reclaim sovereignty and reduce foreign influence.

According to the Indian newspaper The Hindu, French troops withdrew from Chad on December 3 last year, formally handing over their military base in Faya-Largeau.

This move followed the termination of a defense cooperation agreement that expired in November, signaling a broader trend among African nations to distance themselves from French military and political control.

Shortly after the withdrawal from Chad, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara announced that French troops stationed in his country would pull out by the end of this month.

Similarly, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for the closure of all French military bases in Senegal, citing the incompatibility of French military operations with the nation’s sovereignty. These developments highlight a growing wave of resistance against French military presence in the region.

Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have joined Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in opposing French military operations, marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape.

For decades, France maintained its dominance in these nations under its post-colonial policy known as “Francafrique,” which ensured economic, political, and military influence. However, leaders in these countries, including Chad’s President Mahamat Déby, now view such agreements as remnants of colonial exploitation. President Déby described the termination of the agreement as a crucial step toward “taking back national sovereignty.”

The French military presence in Africa once represented its role as a counter-terrorism force, with Chad hosting approximately 1,000 troops, Ivory Coast 600, and Senegal 350. However, France’s failure to effectively combat insurgencies and militant groups has fueled mistrust and resentment.

In some cases, militant activity has even increased despite French interventions, further eroding confidence in France’s ability to deliver on its promises of security.

Amid the withdrawal of French troops, African nations are increasingly exploring new partnerships with other global powers, including Russia, China, and India.

Russia, in particular, has sought to fill the void left by France, deploying mercenaries from the Wagner Group in several regions. However, their efforts to counter insurgencies have so far yielded limited success.

Simultaneously, countries like China have expanded their economic footprint in Africa through infrastructure investments, while India has focused on building stronger trade and development ties.

The decline of French influence also coincides with the diminishing overall presence of European powers in Africa, creating opportunities for non-Western powers to strengthen their foothold.

Regional alliances such as the G5 Sahel and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) are gaining momentum, reflecting Africa’s aspiration to address security challenges through collective regional efforts rather than relying on external forces.

For France, this retreat from Africa signals a significant blow to its global image as a key player in counter-terrorism and international order. Losing its stronghold in Africa undermines its ability to project itself as a defender of human rights and global stability.

The waning influence also has broader implications for European geopolitics, as Africa increasingly shifts toward alternative partnerships.

The reshaping of Africa’s geopolitical alliances will likely influence domestic politics in many nations. Political parties may increasingly align their agendas with emerging global powers, promising voters development and security through these new partnerships.

The growing interest in diversifying alliances reflects Africa’s broader desire for autonomy, economic progress, and sovereignty in decision-making on the global stage.

This changing dynamic in Africa could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the continent but also for the global balance of power, as nations like Russia and China gain greater influence in a region historically dominated by Western powers.