Senegal and France have reached an agreement to establish a joint commission to oversee the withdrawal of French troops and the handover of French military bases by the end of 2025, according to a joint statement from their foreign ministers on Wednesday. This development marks a significant shift in their defence and security partnership, with Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasizing the country's sovereignty and independence.

The joint commission aims to develop a new defence and security partnership that aligns with the strategic priorities of both nations. This move comes as a response to growing anti-colonial sentiment and frustration with French influence in the region, with several African nations taking steps to end French military presence within their borders.

President Faye has been vocal about his concerns regarding the presence of French troops, stating that sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country. However, he emphasized that Senegal remains open to collaboration with France, as long as it is devoid of military involvement. Faye pointed to Senegal's strong commercial relationship with China, stressing that despite being the country's largest trading partner, China does not demand a military presence.

For decades, French military bases in Africa were pillars of strategic influence, extending Paris' reach beyond its borders. With over 2,000 troops stationed in Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Chad, Senegal, and Djibouti, France relied on these agreements to maintain its geopolitical presence. However, the wave of anti-colonial sentiment and growing frustration with France's role in regional affairs has led at least six African nations to take steps toward ending French military and political influence within their borders.

As French troops have been expelled, military juntas in several countries have increasingly turned to Russia for support, welcoming Russian mercenaries into the Sahel region to fill the security void. This shift away from France's influence is expected to have significant implications for the region's security landscape and global geopolitics.

The agreement between Senegal and France is seen as a significant step towards redefining their defence and security partnership, with a focus on cooperation and mutual respect. As the joint commission works towards the withdrawal of French troops and the handover of military bases, it remains to be seen how this development will shape the future of Franco-African relations and the region's security dynamics.

In the broader context, this move is part of a larger trend of African nations asserting their independence and sovereignty, with many countries seeking to diversify their partnerships and reduce their reliance on former colonial powers. As the global landscape continues to evolve, this development is likely to have far-reaching implications for international relations, security, and economic cooperation.