France has officially handed over the “Contre-Amiral Protet” military base to Senegal, marking a major milestone in the gradual withdrawal of French forces from its former colony.
This is in accordance with the roadmap agreed by the Franco-Senegalese Joint Commission.
The transfer took place on Thursday, May 15, at the strategic port-side location in Dakar, and was announced in a statement from the French Embassy in Senegal.
This handover follows the bilateral decisions made during the February 28, 2025 meeting of the joint commission, which was co-chaired by General Abdou Latif Kamara, French Ambassador Christine Fages, and Commander General of the French forces in Senegal Yves Aunis.
It comes on the heels of the March 7 restitution of the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry compounds, located near Hann Park and the Port of Dakar, initiating the progressive disengagement of French military forces from Senegalese territory.
According to official sources, the three remaining French military facilities in Senegal are scheduled to be returned by the end of September 2025, in line with the agreed timetable.
The “Contre-Amiral Protet” compound, due to its strategic location on Dakar’s port, has long symbolised France’s military presence in the region, and its return is particularly symbolic.
This move aligns with the vision of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who declared in November 2024 his commitment to making Senegal a truly sovereign republic, including the eventual departure of French troops from its soil.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA