Senegal's new prime minister, recently released from jail and instrumental in his party's victory in the presidential election, has voiced strong criticism against the French military presence in the country. Ousmane Sonko, known for his anti-French interference stance, expressed concerns about the promotion of values by France and the West that he believes are incompatible with Senegalese and African traditions, such as LGBTQ rights and monogamy.
Sonko's remarks were made during an event in Dakar, where he was joined by French far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The prime minister emphasized Senegal's desire for self-determination, questioning the need for foreign military bases in the country while acknowledging existing defense treaties with foreign nations, including France, which currently has around 350 troops stationed in Senegal.
While Sonko warned that advocating for LGBTQ rights could strain relations between Senegal and France, Mélenchon defended such rights by citing his role in legalizing same-sex marriage in France, stating that the freedom to love should be universal.
Senegal, considered a stable force in a region plagued by coups, is now at the center of attention due to Sonko's bold statements. Recent political shifts in neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have expelled French troops in favor of Russian assistance, have further highlighted the complexities of foreign military presence in the region.
Sonko's party has called for reforms within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and criticized the bloc for allowing divisions to escalate. Despite these challenges, Sonko reaffirmed Senegal's commitment to supporting its Sahelian neighbors and strengthening regional ties.
