DAKAR, Senegal (BG) – Senegal and Ivory Coast have announced plans to close foreign military bases on their soil, marking a significant shift in their defense policies and signaling a move toward enhanced sovereignty.

The announcements, delivered separately on Dec. 31, 2024, by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, underscore a broader regional trend of reducing foreign military presence in West Africa.

Both nations, former French colonies, have long hosted French troops under historical security agreements.

Senegal’s Sovereignty Push

In his address to the nation, President Faye emphasized the importance of independence and self-reliance.

“I have instructed the Minister of the Armed Forces to propose a new doctrine of cooperation in defense and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all foreign military presences in Senegal, starting in 2025,” he said.

Faye described the reforms as a way to bring governance closer to citizens, reflecting their aspirations and fostering national pride.

“Let us take the time to look in the mirror of our history and our values, to remind ourselves who we are, where we come from, and where we aspire to go,” Faye added, signaling a focus on national unity and heritage.

Ivory Coast’s Transition

Echoing similar sentiments, Ivorian President Ouattara announced the planned withdrawal of French forces from the Port-Bouët military base by January 2025.

“It is within this framework, we have decided on the coordinated and organized withdrawal of the French Forces from Ivory Coast,” said Ouattara.

He added that the base would be renamed after General Ouattara Thomas d’Aquin, the country’s first Chief of Staff.

A Growing Regional Trend

These decisions align with recent moves by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have also called for the withdrawal of foreign forces. The trend reflects a growing push for regional self-reliance in security and governance.

As Senegal and Ivory Coast implement these transitions, their ability to bolster national defense systems and maintain regional stability will be closely watched.

The move underscores a broader reassessment of partnerships with former colonial powers and the pursuit of localized solutions to security challenges.