&w=3840&q=100)
France withdraws from Senegal after 65 years, ends military presence in Central, West Africa
Advertisement
Senegal's Chief of General Staff, General Mbaye Cisse (R), and France's General Pascal Ianni, who commands France's troops in Africa, salute as the Senegalese flag is raised during a ceremony where France will return Camp Geille, its largest base in the country, and its airfield at Dakar airport, in Dakar on July 17, 2025. (Photo: Patrick Meinhardt/AFP)
France on Thursday formally handed back its last two military bases in Senegal, leaving Paris with no permanent army camps in either west or central Africa.
Ending the French army's 65 years in independent Senegal, the pull-out comes after similar withdrawals across the continent, with former colonies increasingly turning their backs on their former ruler.
The move comes as the Sahel region faces a growing jihadist conflict across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger that is threatening the wider west African region.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
A recent string of attacks this month in Mali included an assault on a town on the border with Senegal.
France returned Camp Geille, its largest base in the west African country, and its airfield at Dakar airport, in a ceremony attended by top French and Senegalese officials.
They included Senegalese chief of staff General Mbaye Cisse and General Pascal Ianni, the head of the French forces in Africa.
Cisse said the handover marked 'an important turning point in the rich and long military journey of our two countries'.
He said the 'new objectives' were aimed at 'giving new content to the security partnership'.
Senegalese troops were working 'to consolidate the numerous skills gained it its quest for strategic autonomy', he added.
The general ended his speech with a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the French author of 'The Little Prince', who spent several months in Dakar: 'For each ending there is always a new departure.'
Ianni said Paris was 'reinventing partnerships in a dynamic Africa'.
'We have to do things differently, and we don't need permanent bases to do so,' he said.
The French general however insisted that the pull-out 'takes nothing away from the sacrifices made yesterday by our brothers-in-arms in Africa for our respective interests'.
Around 350 French soldiers, primarily tasked with conducting joint operations with the Senegalese army, are now leaving, marking the end of a three-month departure process that began in March.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
After storming to victory in 2024 elections promising radical change, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye demanded France withdraw troops from the country by 2025.
Unlike the leaders of other former colonies such as junta-run Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, however, Faye has insisted that Senegal will keep working with Paris.
'Sovereignty'
Senegal was one of France's first colonies in Africa.
After gaining independence in 1960, Senegal became one of France's staunchest African allies, playing host to French troops throughout its modern history.
Faye's predecessor, Macky Sall, continued that tradition.
However Faye, who ran on a ticket promising a clean break with the Sall era, has said that Senegal will treat France like any other foreign partner.
Pledging to make his country more self-sufficient, the president gave a deadline of the end of 2025 for all foreign armies to withdraw.
'Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,' Faye said at the end of 2024.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
He maintained nonetheless that France remained 'an important partner for Senegal'.
Faye has also urged Paris to apologise for colonial atrocities, including the massacre on December 1, 1944, of dozens of African soldiers who had fought for France in World War II.
Continent-wide pull-out
With governments across Africa increasingly questioning the presence of French soldiers, Paris has closed or reduced numbers at bases across its former empire.
In February, Paris handed back its sole remaining base in Ivory Coast, ending decades of French presence at the site.
The month before, France turned over the Kossei base in Chad, its last military foothold in the unrest-hit Sahel region.
Coups in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali between 2020 and 2023 have swept military strongmen to power.
All have cut ties with France and turned to Russia instead for help in fighting the Sahel's decade-long jihadist insurgency.
The Central African Republic, also a former French colony to which the Kremlin has sent mercenaries, has likewise demanded a French pull-out.
Meanwhile the army has turned its base in Gabon into a camp shared with the central African nation focused on training.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Only the tiny Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti will play host to a permanent French army base following Thursday's withdrawal.
France intends to make its base in Djibouti, home to some 1,500 people, its military headquarters for Africa.
(This is an agency copy. Except for the headline, the copy has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
32 minutes ago
- First Post
Gaza receives emergency food drops from Jordan, UAE, and Israel as UN warns of mass starvation
Jordanian and Emirati planes dropped food into Gaza on Sunday as Israel launched a limited 'tactical pause' in military operations to address a worsening hunger crisis. The UN has warned of famine-like conditions affecting hundreds of thousands. read more Jordanian and Emirati planes dropped food into Gaza on Sunday, as Israel began a limited 'tactical pause' in military operations to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis. The Israeli military said it had also begun airdropping food into the Palestinian territory – making one drop of seven palettes – while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected what he characterised as UN 'lies' that his government was to blame for the dire humanitarian situation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The army also dismissed allegations that it had been using starvation as a weapon, saying it had coordinated with the UN and international agencies to 'increase the scale of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip'. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher welcomed the tactical pauses, saying he was in 'contact with our teams on the ground who will do all we can to reach as many starving people as we can in this window'. But the UN's World Food Programme said a third of the population of Gaza had not eaten for days, and 470,000 people were 'enduring famine-like conditions' that were already leading to deaths. The Israeli decision came as international pressure mounted on Netanyahu's government to head off the risk of mass starvation in the territory. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined the chorus of concern on Sunday, urging Netanyahu 'to provide the starving civilian population in Gaza with urgently needed humanitarian aid now.' Accusing the UN of fabricating 'pretexts and lies about Israel' blocking aid, Netanyahu said in remarks at an airbase that 'there are secure routes' for aid. 'There have always been, but today it's official. There will be no more excuses,' he added. Since Israel imposed a total blockade on aid entering Gaza on March 2, the situation inside the territory has deteriorated sharply. More than 100 NGOs warned this week of 'mass starvation'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Though aid has trickled back in since late May, the UN and humanitarian agencies say Israeli restrictions remain excessive and road access inside Gaza is tightly controlled. 'Life's wish' The Jordanian military said its planes, working with the United Arab Emirates, had delivered 25 tonnes of aid in three parachute drops over Gaza on Sunday. Truckloads of flour were also seen arriving in northern Gaza through the Zikim area crossing from Israel, according to AFP journalists. The charity Oxfam's regional policy chief Bushra Khalidi called Israel's latest moves a 'welcome first step' but warned they could prove insufficient. 'Starvation won't be solved by a few trucks or airdrops,' she said. 'What's needed is a real humanitarian response: ceasefire, full access, all crossings open, and a steady, large-scale flow of aid into Gaza. 'We need a permanent ceasefire, a complete lifting of the siege.' In general, humanitarian officials are deeply sceptical airdrops can deliver enough food safely to tackle the hunger crisis facing Gaza's more than two million inhabitants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa district, 30-year-old Suad Ishtaywi said her 'life's wish' was to simply feed her children. She spoke of her husband returning empty-handed from aid points daily. Chaotic scenes broke out at the site where Israel conducted its first food drop, witnesses told AFP. Samih Humeid, a 23-year-old from the Al-Karama neighbourhood of Gaza City, said dozens of people had gathered to rush towards the palettes of supplies parachuted onto the area. 'It felt like a war, everyone trying to grab whatever they could. Hunger is merciless. The quantities were extremely limited, not enough even for a few people, because hunger is everywhere. I only managed to get three cans of fava beans,' he said. In a social media post, the Israeli military announced it had 'carried out an airdrop of humanitarian aid as part of the ongoing efforts to allow and facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip'. AFP journalists saw Egyptian trucks crossing from Rafah, with cargo routed through Israel's Kerem Shalom checkpoint for inspection before entering Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli army's daily pause from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm will be limited to areas where its troops are not currently operating – Al-Mawasi in the south, central Deir el-Balah and Gaza City in the north. Israel said 'designated secure routes' would also open across Gaza for aid convoys carrying food and medicine. The military said the measures should disprove 'the false claim of deliberate starvation'. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant, citing 'reasonable grounds' to suspect war crimes including starvation – charges Israel vehemently denies. Activists intercepted On Sunday, according to the Gaza civil defence agency, Israeli army fire killed 27 Palestinians, 12 of them near aid distribution areas. Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency and other parties. Separately, the Israeli navy brought an activist boat, the Handala operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, into the part of Ashdod, after intercepting and boarding it late Saturday to prevent it attempting to breach a maritime blockade of Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The legal rights centre Adalah told AFP its lawyers were in Ashdod and had met with 19 of the 21 detained activists and journalists from 10 countries. The other two detainees, dual US-Israeli nationals, had been transferred to Israeli police custody, the group said. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The Israeli campaign has killed 59,733 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.


Economic Times
35 minutes ago
- Economic Times
US tariff deadline of August 1 is firm, no extensions: Commerce secretary
The United States will implement tariffs on August 1. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed no extensions will be granted. Customs will collect the money from the mentioned date. This decision sends a message to trading partners. They must meet commitments to strike trade deals with the Trump administration. Earlier, President Trump had mentioned the deadline could be extended or not. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Rising tariff floor: Trump sets 15% as the starting point Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The United States will not offer any extensions to its August 1 tariff deadline , Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Sunday, according to AFP. This rules out any possibility of a second extension from the initial July 9 deadline set by President Trump.'So no extensions, no more grace periods. August 1, the tariffs are set. They'll go into place. Customs will start collecting the money, and off we go,' Lutnick told Fox News announcement sends a firm and final message to US trading partners: the deadline is real, and time-bound commitments must now be met. This is particularly relevant for countries, including India, still hoping to strike trade agreements with the Trump administration ahead of the so-called "reciprocal tariff" Donald Trump had earlier left the door open to a possible delay, saying the deadline 'could or could not' be extended. But Lutnick's remarks eliminate that uncertainty, cementing August 1 as the date when the new tariff regime will officially come into days before the deadline, the two-time Republican President indicated that the baseline tariff rate would be no lower than 15%, up from the 10% figure initially floated in at an AI summit in Washington on July 24, he said, 'We'll have a straight, simple tariff of anywhere between 15% and 50%. We have 50 because we haven't been getting along with those countries too well.'Earlier this month, Trump said that letters were being sent to more than 150 countries, informing them of the tariff hike. 'Probably 10 or 15%, we haven't decided yet,' he said at the time. But with the president now confirming a 15% floor and a possible ceiling of 50%, the scope of these levies appears to be Secretary Lutnick added further clarity during a separate interview with CBS News, stating that smaller nations—particularly in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa—would face a baseline tariff of 10%, slightly lower than the new floor, but still significant compared to pre-April norms.


Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on United Nations Security Council, Darfur region, bamboo diplomacy and more (Week 120)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), consider the following statements: 1. It has 10 Members, and each Member has one vote. 2. The presidency of the Security Council shall be held in turn by the members of the Security Council in the English alphabetical order of their names. 3. Each President shall hold office for three months. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — India told a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, presided over by Pakistan, that there should be a 'serious cost' to nations which foment cross-border terrorism, with the country's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, calling the neighbouring nation a 'serial borrower' that is 'steeped in fanaticism'. UNSC — The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Rule 18 of the Security Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure states: 'The presidency of the Security Council shall be held in turn by the members of the Security Council in the English alphabetical order of their names. Each President shall hold office for one calendar month.' Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Other Source: Consider the following statements: 1. This country received independence from French colonial rule in 1960. 2. For a majority of its post-independence era, it has seen single-party rule, military coups and limited space for the survival of democratic governments. 3. It is part of the Sahel region. 4. Its capital city is Niamey. The above mentioned country refers to: (a) Libya (b) Chad (c) Algeria (d) Niger Explanation — Two Indian migrant workers were killed in the West African country of Niger, and another was abducted after a terror attack on their worksite, officials said. — The Indian Embassy in Niger said the Mission, in the capital city of Niamey, was in touch with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. It also advised all Indians in Niger to maintain vigilance. — According to the Union Ministry of External Affairs, around 150 Indians are currently in Niger. They are mostly engaged in the hospitality/service/business sectors. This presents a decline from 2023, when around 250 Indians were in the country. — In its modern history, Niger received independence from French colonial rule in 1960. For a majority of its post-independence era, it has seen single-party rule, military coups and limited space for the survival of democratic governments. Bazoum Mohamed's 2021 victory in the presidential election marked the country's first transition from one democratically elected president to another. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Sistan and Baluchestan, Khorasan, and Yazd are the provinces in: (a) Iraq (b) Afghanistan (c) Iran (d) Syria Explanation — For more than 40 years, Afghanistan has endured conflict, economic turmoil, natural disasters, poverty, and food scarcity. Successive waves of people fled the country to escape the Soviet invasion, civil wars, the US-led intervention, and the Taliban insurgency. — Over time, a considerable number of them have sought sanctuary in adjacent Iran. However, the influx increased dramatically after the Taliban regained power in August 2021, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian catastrophe and deteriorating human rights circumstances, particularly for girls and women. Currently, around 20,000 Afghans cross the border each day. — Refugees to Iran have arrived from Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, and the Hazara districts. Large communities have since formed in regions including Razavi Khorasan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Khorasan, Tehran, and Yazd, particularly in low-income areas. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The 'Darfur region' was in the news. It lies within: (a) Democratic Republic of Congo (b) Tanzania (c) Kenya (d) Sudan Explanation — A Sudanese coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a parallel government, a move fiercely opposed by the army that could drive the country further towards partition as a two-year-old civil war rages. — The RSF controls much of the west of the country such as the vast Darfur region and some other areas but is being pushed back from central Sudan by the army, which has recently regained control over the capital Khartoum. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Recently, which of the following capital cities' residents were ordered to evacuate due to wildfire? (a) Paris (b) Rome (c) Athens (d) Ljubljana Explanation — A wildfire raged across a northern suburb of Greece's capital, Athens, prompting the evacuation of some inhabitants, according to the Fire Service. Residents of Kryoneri, located 20 kilometres northeast of Athens, got three SMS messages instructing them to flee to safe regions, according to Greek Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis. — Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The term 'bamboo diplomacy' is seen with reference to which of the following nations? (a) Brazil (b) Thailand (c) Cambodia (d) Vietnam Explanation — Nguyen Phu Trong, the Marxist-Leninist who led Vietnam for more than a decade overseeing rapid economic growth and more recently trod a fine line in elevating ties with both China and the U.S. with his 'bamboo diplomacy', has died. He was 80. — In foreign policy, Trong advocated having 'more friends, fewer foes' while being as flexible as bamboo. That stance culminated in a visit by President Joe Biden to Hanoi last September that saw Vietnam lift the United States to its highest diplomatic status alongside China, Russia, India and South Korea. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the BRICS grouping, consider the following statements: 1. The New Development Bank established by BRICS aims to provide funding exclusively for BRICS member countries. 2. BRICS has created an alternative payment system called SWIFT to reduce reliance on Western-dominated systems. 3. The latest member to join BRICS is Saudi Arabia taking the total count of members to 10. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) All of the above (d) None of the above Explanation — The New Development Bank also funds non-BRICS countries, not just BRICS members. — BRICS is working on BRICS Pay, a payment system aimed at reducing reliance on SWIFT and the US dollar. — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are its members. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements regarding the UAE Golden Visa scheme 2025 : 1. Indian and Bangladeshi nationals can obtain lifetime UAE residency by paying a one-time fee without any investment in property or business. 2. The scheme is open to any applicant and does not require nomination by an authorised agency. 3. Citizens of China and Pakistan are also eligible under this pilot scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All of the above Explanation — Indian and Bangladeshi nationals are reportedly eligible to secure lifetime residency by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (≈ ₹23.3 lakh), without requiring property or business investment. — It is a nomination-only scheme, meaning applicants must be put forward by authorised partners, such as Rayad Group, VFS, or One Vasco—self-application is not permitted. — All candidates undergo rigorous vetting, which includes anti‑money laundering checks, criminal background screening, and evaluation of their societal or professional contributions — The pilot scheme currently applies only to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals. Citizens of countries like Pakistan and China are explicitly excluded in this phase. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 119) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More