President Faye Rejects Foreign Military Bases While Calling for Reparative Action on Historical Atrocities

DAKAR, Senegal (BG) – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye reaffirmed his country’s commitment to sovereignty and rejected the idea of hosting foreign military bases.

In an interview at the presidential palace with French channel France 2 on Thursday, Faye emphasized Senegal’s independence and declared that military bases are incompatible with the country’s sovereign status.

“Senegal is an independent country; it is a sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” Faye said, indirectly referencing the French military presence in West Africa.

The remarks come amid shifting dynamics in Senegal’s diplomatic relationships, including deepening ties with China. Faye highlighted that China, now Senegal’s largest trading partner, maintains robust economic relations without any military presence.

“Today, China is our largest trading partner in terms of investment and trade. Does China have a military presence in Senegal? No. Does that mean our relations are cut? No,” he emphasized, underscoring Senegal’s pursuit of economic cooperation without compromising sovereignty.

While asserting independence, Faye also acknowledged Senegal’s relationship with France, particularly in investment and the presence of French companies and citizens.

“France remains an important partner for Senegal in terms of investment and the presence of French companies and even French citizens who are in Senegal,” Faye said, noting the historical and economic ties between the two nations.

Macron Acknowledges Thiaroye Massacre

In a significant development, French President Emmanuel Macron, in a letter addressed to Faye on Nov. 28, formally acknowledged the massacre of African soldiers at the Thiaroye military camp on Dec. 1, 1944.

The massacre involved the killing of African tirailleurs (colonial infantrymen) by French colonial forces, an event that has long strained relations between France and Senegal.

As World War II drew to a close, hundreds of demobilized riflemen returned to Africa and assembled at the military camp in Thiaroye, on the outskirts of Dakar. On Dec. 1, 1944, while demanding payment of their bonuses, some of them were shot dead on the orders of French officers.

“I received today a letter from President Emmanuel Macron in which he acknowledges that it was a massacre, very clearly and unambiguously,” Faye said during his interview with France 2, according to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS).

Faye welcomed the recognition, calling it a step toward healing historical wounds, but stressed the importance of reparative action.

“To recognize that a massacre has been committed must obviously have the effect of making amends. We think that naturally this is what must follow,” Faye said, signaling expectations for restitution or compensation from France.

French Military Presence

The French military presence in Senegal, formalized through an agreement signed on Aug. 1, 2011, provides operational support for regional cooperation.

Known as “Éléments Français au Sénégal” (EFS), French forces stationed in Dakar act as a regional hub, maintaining naval and air facilities and providing logistical support when needed, according to the French Ministry of Defense.

There are currently 350 French soldiers stationed in the West African country.

Faye’s statements reflect a delicate balancing act: reinforcing Senegal’s autonomy while maintaining strategic partnerships with traditional allies, all in a shifting geopolitical landscape.