France Faces Expulsion from Africa: Chad and Senegal Take Bold Steps to Reclaim Sovereignty

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | November 29th, 2024 — In a historic move that further signals the waning influence of France in Africa, Chad and Senegal have taken decisive measures to distance themselves from their former colonial power. Both nations announced the termination of long-standing defense agreements, reflecting a growing wave of anti-French sentiment and a reassertion of African sovereignty.

Chad Ends Defense Pact with France, Citing Sovereignty

Chad’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abderaman Koulamallah, announced on Thursday the annulment of the defense cooperation agreement with France. The decision came shortly after the visit of French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to N’Djamena.

In a statement shared on the ministry’s official Facebook page, Koulamallah declared:
“The Government of the Republic of Chad informs the national and international community of its decision to terminate the defense cooperation agreement signed with the French Republic.”

He emphasized that it was time for Chad to assert its full sovereignty, more than 60 years after gaining independence from French colonial rule.

Senegal Demands Closure of French Military Bases

In a parallel development, Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, announced that France would be required to shut down its military bases in Senegal. During an exclusive interview with Agence France-Presse, President Faye stated:
“Senegal is an independent nation. It is a sovereign state, and sovereignty is incompatible with the presence of foreign military bases.”

Currently, France maintains approximately 500 personnel in Senegal, including soldiers, trainers, and advisors. However, this development underscores the growing dissatisfaction with France’s continued military presence, even in a nation long considered one of its key allies in West Africa.

Broader Context: France’s Declining Role in West Africa

These announcements are the latest in a series of blows to France’s influence in the region. Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have previously demanded the withdrawal of French forces. In some cases, diplomatic ties were severed, as seen in the aftermath of Niger’s recent political upheaval.

This trend marks a sharp decline in French influence across the Sahel and West Africa, a region historically dominated by French economic and military interests.

Implications for France and Africa

The decisions by Chad and Senegal not only isolate France further but also signal a broader African shift toward asserting independence from foreign powers. Analysts predict that these moves could hasten the erosion of France’s geopolitical standing in the region.

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