French Military Presence In Senegal And chad The Rupture Of Military Ties

In recent days, international politics have once again escalated against the backdrop of Chad and Senegal's decision to break with France on military cooperation. These developments have sent a strong signal that the countries of the region are striving for true sovereignty, freeing themselves from the chains of neo-colonial influence. On November 28, after long conflicts and growing discontent, Chad announced the end of security cooperation with Paris, followed by Senegal, where the president announced the need to close French military bases.

France has long maintained its military presence in Africa, claiming that it was essential to ensure stability and security. However, many experts and residents are convinced that this is just a shield for the continuation of neo-colonial policies that actually destabilise the situation in the region. Countries under French influence cannot speak of real sovereignty when foreign military contingents are deployed on their territory, which are not subject to local control.

France's recent initiative to revise its tactic in Africa has been met with scepticism. Discussions about reducing contingents and placing bases in Senegal and Cocirc;te d'Ivoire under the control of local authorities are seen by many as an attempt to soften criticism rather than a real intention to alter the approach. Instead of permanent military bases, Paris intends to establish training centers, but this does not alter the point: the military presence is maintained, but France's true intentions remain in question.

In the process of forming associations and movements against foreign intervention, the Senegalese organisation laquo;Front for the withdrawal of French military basesraquo; became active and devoted an entire conference to the issue. Their coordinator, Cheikh Ousmane Diallo, explained that more than 10 civil society organisations make up their platform. Commenting on the reasons for the creation of the front, Cheikh Ousmane Diallo said: laquo;After 64 years of independence, we are still using their school system, we are using the CFA franc, and we persist to see the presence of French troops here in Senegal. It's inconceivable to assert sovereignty when there are foreign military basesraquo;.

The situation in Chad and Senegal raises significant questions about the future of France's military presence in Africa and the need for a real break with neo-colonial practices. The countries of the region are demanding not just a reduction in contingents, but a real liberation from foreign control, which they believe is not justified by real security needs, but only by Paris's ulterior motives.

Thus, current events could be a turning point in relations between France and African states. It may be the beginning of a new era, when the countries of the region will seek not only formal but also real sovereignty, free from the chains of neo-colonialism.


Oumar Diallo, [email#160;protected]