From departure to dialogue: France and Senegal chart new diplomatic course

In a landmark meeting at the Élysée Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron  and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a renewed phase in Franco-Senegalese relations, signaling a shift from military presence to partnership grounded in respect, transparency, and shared development goals.

The summit followed France’s withdrawal from its last military bases in Senegal, which was, according to SeneWeb, “a highly symbolic gesture, hailed by a large segment of public opinion as an affirmation of sovereignty” — in other words, a move signifying the closing of a chapter in post-colonial dynamics. Yet, the gesture was not a break, but a pivot — both leaders emphasized continued cooperation in security, trade, and regional stability. Central to the dialogue was Senegal’s demand for historical accountability, particularly regarding the 1944 Thiaroye massacre. Faye reiterated calls for access to French archives and formal recognition of the atrocity, framing historical justice as a prerequisite for authentic partnership.
Economic tensions also surfaced, notably a €150 million dispute over the Dakar-Diamniadio expressway, a modern transport system linking Senegal’s capital to regional cities. Despite the friction, Faye used the visit to showcase Senegal’s “Vision 2050,” inviting French investment in infrastructure, digital technology, and education. Macron and Faye’s engagement reflects a growing trend: African nations seeking equal footing in old alliances. Or, as an analysis in Diplomatic Watch put it, “the Paris summit marks a turning point in Franco-Senegalese relations, moving beyond colonial legacies toward a partnership focused on equality and mutual benefit.” As France recalibrates its African strategy and Senegal asserts its leadership in West Africa, both sides appear committed to transforming a complex past into a pragmatic, forward-looking relationship.