Senegalese Prime Minister Voices Concerns Over French Military Bases on Territory

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has expressed concerns regarding the closure of French military bases in the West African nation. Following his presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s victory in March, Sonko criticized France’s perceived dominance in the former colony.

He questioned the rationale behind the continued presence of French military bases in Senegal, highlighting potential impacts on national sovereignty and strategic independence. Sonko stressed Senegal’s aspiration for self-control and raised doubts about the necessity of foreign military bases within the country.

Furthermore, he called on South Africa to seek intervention from the U.N.’s highest court to compel Israel to cease its offensive in Rafah and proposed the establishment of a Sahel states alliance. Sonko advocated for a flexible currency system linked to a minimum of two currencies to mitigate economic shocks and enhance export competitiveness. Additionally, he appealed to Western nations to exhibit “restraint, respect, reciprocity, and tolerance” on social issues, encompassing LGBTQ rights and gender equality.