The leaders of Senegal and Chad have stated that the expulsion of French soldiers from their territories is a sovereign decision, rejecting comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron. Senegal, Chad, and the Ivory Coast announced last month that French troops would leave, as Paris considered a new strategy to reduce its military presence in Africa.
In a meeting with ambassadors yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France had “proposed to African heads of state to reorganize our presence.”
“I would like to say that in the case of Senegal, this statement is completely wrong,” said Senegalese Prime Minister Usman Sonko.
“Until today, there have been no discussions or negotiations, and the decision made by Senegal arises from its own will as a free, independent, and sovereign country,” Sonko added.
French troops have already withdrawn from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which are governed by military juntas.
Macron promised a “new security partnership” in 2023, with a reduced number of French troops on the continent, based on the needs expressed by African partners.
Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Kulamalah expressed “deep concern” over Macron’s comments.
He said Macron’s words “reflect a contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans.”
“French leaders must learn to respect African nations and recognize the value of their sacrifices,” Kulamalah said.
While France’s former colonies in Africa gained independence, Paris retained economic, political, and military power in those countries, including thousands of permanent soldiers.
