Senegal to remove all foreign military forces by 2025

DAKAR — Senegal's President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye said that 2025 would see an end to all foreign military presence in the West African country, in a speech on Tuesday to mark the new year.

The remark came a month after he announced that France would have to close its military bases in Senegal.

"I have instructed the minister for the armed forces to propose a new doctrine for cooperation in defense and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all foreign military presences in Senegal from 2025," Faye said.

This is the first time he has set a date for the closure of foreign military bases.

"All of Senegal's friends will be treated like strategic partners, within the framework of open, diversified and uninhibited cooperation," Faye said.

The president, who took office in April, was elected on a promise to deliver sovereignty and end dependence on foreign countries.

On Nov 28, he told Agence France-Presse the presence of French military bases in Senegal was incompatible with that sovereignty.

However, he maintained that the act did not constitute a break with France.

"France remains an important partner for Senegal for the investment for Senegal and the presence of French companies and even French citizens who are in Senegal," Faye said.

Meanwhile, Cote d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara announced on Tuesday that French troops will leave the country after a decadeslong military presence.

The pullout would begin this month, he said. France has had up to 600 troops in the country.

"We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces" from Cote d'Ivoire, Ouattara said, adding that the infantry battalion of Port Bouet that is run by the French army will be handed over to Cote d'Ivoire's armed forces.

Agencies Via Xinhua