France and Senegal will form a commission to oversee the withdrawal of French troops by the end of 2025. Senegalese President Faye emphasized national sovereignty, marking the first official demand for their departure. France’s military presence in Africa is shrinking, with recent withdrawals from Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, while troops remain in Djibouti and Gabon.

France and Senegal announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to establish a commission to oversee the withdrawal of French troops from the West African nation by the end of 2025.

In a joint statement, the two countries emphasized their commitment to developing a defense and security partnership that aligns with the strategic priorities of both nations.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has made it clear that he intends to end the presence of French troops in Senegal.

"There will soon be no more French soldiers in Senegal," Faye stated in an interview with Le Monde in November, stressing the importance of national sovereignty.

France has maintained a military presence in Senegal since the country gained independence in 1960, primarily for training and regional security operations. Currently, there are 350 French soldiers stationed in Senegal.

Faye’s remarks marked the first time Senegal's government has officially demanded the withdrawal of French troops.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has also been critical of their presence. In May, he questioned the necessity of having French forces in a sovereign nation.

France recently ended its military presence in Chad, withdrawing its last troops one day before the deadline set by Chadian authorities.

“It’s a new sunrise for a fully sovereign Chad, determined to take charge of its own destiny,” said Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby, emphasizing the need for Chad to strengthen its own military to address security challenges.

He clarified that Chad is not severing ties with France but is ending the military component of their cooperation.

On January 11, about 100 French soldiers departed the Abeche base in eastern Chad. The Chadian government then set a deadline of January 31 for the remaining 1,000 troops to leave, and France completed the withdrawal one day before the deadline.

France’s military footprint in Africa has been shrinking in recent years as several countries seek to reclaim full control over their security affairs. In addition to Chad, French troops have been expelled from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Côte d'Ivoire has also announced plans to remove French forces from its territory.

French troops remain stationed in Djibouti and Gabon, two countries that have not indicated any changes to their military agreements with Paris.