Senegalese Prime Minister questions French military presence and announces potential base closures – JURIST

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, announced the possibility of closing French military bases in the West African country. The speech also touched on LGBTQ rights and the practice of monogamy.

During his speech at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Sonko expressed concerns about the French military presence in Senegal and other countries. The politician expressed concerns about the potential effects on the national sovereignty and strategic independence of African states. He stated:

More than 60 years after our independence… we must question the reasons why the French army, for example, still benefits from several military bases in our country and the impact of this presence on our national sovereignty and our strategic autonomy.

He added that the French military presence is incompatible with maintaining the independence and sovereignty of Senegal.

The politician also expressed his strong disapproval of efforts by France and the West to promote specific values ​​that he believes do not correspond to the values ​​defended by Senegal and other African countries, notably LGBTQ rights and monogamy.

Currently, 350 French soldiers are stationed in Senegal, including 260 permanently. They have been present in the country since 2011 and their main objective is to train soldiers from neighboring countries. The capital Dakar is the main center of French influence in Senegal, alongside other countries in the region, such as Ivory Coast, Gabon and Chad.

Following an agreement, Senegal regained control of several military bases previously held by its former colonial ruler in 2010.