Military Presence Ends: France Removes Entire Army from African Soil After 350 Years.

Military Presence Ends: France Removes Entire Army from African Soil After 350 Years.

Around the world.

The news as it trends.

After more than 350 years of military presence in Africa, France is making a historic exit.

On July 17, 2025, it handed over its final two bases in Senegal—Camp Geille and the Dakar airport airfield—marking the end of a 65-year troop deployment in the country.

This concludes a broader retreat from former colonies, as African nations increasingly assert their sovereignty.

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye championed the withdrawal, demanding full troop removal by year’s end while maintaining diplomatic ties.

France’s decision was fueled by rising anti-French sentiment, failed counterterrorism efforts, and perceptions of neocolonialism.

Countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso pushed for independence from foreign military influence.

Coups in the Sahel accelerated the departure, with new regimes turning to Russia, China, and Turkey for partnerships.

Now, only Djibouti hosts a permanent French base, signaling a dramatic shift in France’s defense posture.

Africa, once ruled by colonial shadows, is rapidly reshaping its geopolitical destiny.