(MENAFN) France has officially pulled out its soldiers from its final two military installations in Senegal, concluding a military presence that lasted more than 60 years in the West African country.

This development is part of a broader movement by former colonies to cut military connections with Paris and establish complete control over their own security.

On Thursday, the French military transferred control of Camp Geille — its largest base in Senegal — along with an airfield at Dakar airport to Senegalese officials.

The ceremony, which included high-ranking representatives from both nations, symbolized the end of a three-month process involving the departure of roughly 350 French soldiers.

The General Staff of the French Armed Forces indicated that the transfer of these sites and the disbandment of the French Elements of Senegal (EFS) reaffirmed the commitment of both Paris and its former colony to “continue their defense partnership in a renewed format.”

General Pascal Ianni, the commander of French forces in Africa, stated that this step “is part of France’s decision to end permanent military bases in West and Central Africa, and responds to the Senegalese authorities’ desire to no longer host permanent foreign forces on their territory,” as reported by a news agency.

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