In Senegal, newly freed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has criticized the French military presence in the country, as well as efforts by France and the West to promote values that he believes do not align with those held by Senegal and other African nations. These values include LGBTQ rights and monogamy, with polygamy being widely practiced in Senegal. Sonko’s anti-French sentiments and views on self-determination helped his chosen candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, win the presidential election in March. Despite this, Sonko acknowledged that his desire to question the presence of foreign military bases did not undermine existing defense treaties with those countries.
Sonko’s criticisms were made during an event in Dakar with French far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon. He emphasized Senegal’s desire for self-determination and raised concerns about the potential conflicts that could arise between Senegal and France over the promotion of LGBTQ rights. In response, Mélenchon defended the idea of same-sex marriage in France, stating that the freedom to love anyone should be open to all who wish to enjoy it. With France currently having about 350 troops stationed in Senegal, Sonko’s remarks are likely to catch the attention of Western allies, given Senegal’s reputation as a stable pillar in a region plagued by coups in recent years.
Following coups in neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have expelled French troops and turned to Russia instead for assistance in fighting insurgencies, tensions have arisen within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Sonko’s party has called for reforms within ECOWAS, criticizing the regional bloc for allowing divisions to grow. Despite this, Sonko emphasized Senegal’s commitment to strengthening ties with its Sahel neighbors and supporting them in their efforts to address security challenges. As a key player in the region, Senegal’s stance on foreign military presence and regional alliances could have significant implications for the geopolitics of West Africa.
Sonko’s victory in the recent presidential election, with his strong anti-French stance and calls for self-determination, reflects a growing sentiment in Senegal and other African nations questioning the role of former colonial powers in the region. The presence of French troops in Senegal and the wider Sahel region has become a contentious issue, with some countries opting to seek assistance from other foreign powers like Russia. Sonko’s criticism of foreign military bases, as well as his focus on strengthening regional ties and reforming ECOWAS, highlights the complex dynamics at play in West Africa’s security landscape. While Senegal has historically been seen as a stable and reliable partner, Sonko’s leadership may signal a shift towards a more assertive and independent foreign policy approach.
Given the recent rise of coups and insurgencies in neighboring countries, Senegal’s stance on foreign military presence and regional alliances takes on added significance. As Western allies reassess their presence and roles in the region, Sonko’s criticisms and calls for reforms within ECOWAS may influence the trajectory of security cooperation in West Africa. The shift towards questioning the long-term presence of foreign forces and promoting self-determination reflects a broader trend in the region, where countries are asserting their independence and seeking new partnerships to address security challenges. Sonko’s leadership and policies could shape the future of Senegal’s foreign relations and regional security dynamics, with potential implications for stability and cooperation in West Africa.
