France has officially transferred two military facilities to Senegal, marking a significant milestone in its withdrawal from the West African nation. This move comes as part of a broader trend of African countries seeking to assert their sovereignty and reduce French influence on the continent.

The handover of the facilities in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry quarters was confirmed by the French embassy in Senegal, which stated that the transfer was carried out in accordance with the decision of the joint commission established last month. The joint commission was set up to oversee the withdrawal of French troops and the handover of French military bases by the end of 2025.

Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the presence of French troops, which he believes is counterproductive to the country's sovereignty. However, he has stressed that Senegal remains open to collaboration with France, as long as it is devoid of military involvement. This sentiment is echoed by other African nations, which have grown increasingly wary of French influence on the continent.

For decades, French military bases in Africa were seen as key pillars of strategic partnerships, extending France's influence far beyond its borders. However, with over 2,000 troops stationed across Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Chad, Senegal, and Djibouti, Paris's grip on the continent has begun to loosen. Several African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have already expelled French forces and turned to Russia for military support against jihadist insurgencies.

In December, France also began withdrawing troops from Chad after its government, a key Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants, abruptly terminated its defence cooperation pact with Paris. This trend is likely to continue, as African nations increasingly assert their independence and sovereignty.

The implications of France's withdrawal from Senegal and other African nations are far-reaching. As African countries begin to chart their own course, they are likely to seek out new partnerships and alliances that better align with their national interests. This could lead to a shift in the global balance of power, as African nations begin to assert their influence on the world stage.

In conclusion, France's transfer of military bases to Senegal marks a significant turning point in the history of African-French relations. As African nations continue to assert their sovereignty and independence, the continent is likely to undergo a significant transformation, with far-reaching implications for global politics and international relations.