Senegalese and Chadian leaders have firmly stated that the recent decision to remove French troops from their territories was a sovereign one, dismissing any insinuation to the contrary made by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Last month, Senegal, Chad, and Ivory Coast announced the departure of French troops at a time when France was contemplating a new strategy that would significantly reduce its permanent troop presence in Africa.
Macron, speaking at a gathering of foreign ambassadors, mentioned that France had proposed a reorganization of its presence in Africa and had given African heads of state the courtesy of announcing it first.
However, Senegal's Prime Minister clarified that no discussions or negotiations had occurred regarding the French troop withdrawal from Senegal. The decision was made independently by Senegal as a free and sovereign nation.
French troops have already left Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which are currently under military rule.
Macron has pledged a new security partnership with reduced French troop numbers in Africa by 2023, based on the expressed needs of African partners.
Chadian Foreign Minister expressed concern over Macron's remarks, criticizing what he perceived as a disrespectful attitude towards Africa and its people. He highlighted the limited impact of French presence in Chad over the past 60 years.
France's historical policy of economic, political, and military influence in its former African colonies, known as Françafrique, has included maintaining a significant military presence in the region.
Currently, France has troops stationed in Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon, and Djibouti, with a previous presence in Chad. The role of French troops in Africa is primarily focused on training local forces to combat extremism and support peacekeeping efforts.
Critics argue that the continued military presence allows France to exert influence and protect regimes aligned with its interests.
