A global dialogue occurs regarding Senegal, a state adjacent to the North Atlantic Ocean. This African nation covers an area of 197,000 square kilometres and is considered one of the stable states in the African region.
While Senegal hadn’t held a special place in global dialogue before, discussion has emerged following the parliamentary elections last November. This came after the young patriotic party of Senegal won a majority, with BASSIROU DIOMAYE FAYE becoming President.
Political Transformation in Senegal
The new president appears to be preparing to change the country’s direction through popular decisions. He recently announced steps to remove French troops stationed in his country. He informed the French President of this and requested swift action for French troop withdrawal.
Within hours of Senegal’s announcement, another African nation, Chad, notified France to withdraw its troops. Countries under military rule, including Burkina Faso, Nigre, and Mali, have also taken steps to remove French troops. There’s a growing global perception that these countries are challenging nations like France while rapidly strengthening ties with Russia, China, and India.
Senegal Demands Compensation from France
The ties between France and Senegal date back to World War II. In 1944, hundreds of Senegalese soldiers who fought alongside French forces protested demanding wages. The Senegalese people still commemorate the massacre that occurred in suppressing these protests. Addressing this, President BASSIROU FAYE stated that France should acknowledge this massacre and compensate the families of the killed soldiers. He emphasised that France should apologise for this massacre.
The president emphasised that foreign military presence compromises a country’s dignity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, stating that Senegal must now be recognised as an independent nation. He stressed his aspiration to secure Senegal’s independence as a state free from foreign military presence.
Chad Joins Senegal
Following Senegal’s declaration, Chad’s President, MAHAMAL IDRISS, announced that the country’s defence cooperation agreement with France had been terminated. Chad has been France’s military anchor in Africa. Senegal and Chad were the main pillars of the French military presence in Africa. This decision forces France to reverse all its military strategies in Africa.
A Seismic Shift for France
This situation is equivalent to an earthquake in France. If France wishes to remain in Africa, it needs a genuine partnership. Political analysts point out that this cooperative relationship has now changed. African countries typically didn’t show strong resistance to French military presence.
However, they now want to break free from the existing model. They are demanding better partnerships and complete transformation. Additionally, public opinion in African states is growing regarding the importance of sovereignty. In short, they say African affairs should be handled the African way.
Chad has been the state where French forces conducted the most external operations. The African region is no longer willing to be a symbol of French neo-colonialism. African people believe that French forces come from Chad for every situation in Africa. Several French military camps have been established in Chad for various interventions and have gained a notorious reputation. Similar camps exist in Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Djibouti.
France’s Response
France accuses African countries of falling under Russian influence. There is strong opposition between France and Russia regarding Ukraine. France’s anti-Russian activities are partly due to Russia’s involvement in the African region.
Africa can be considered a region rich in various economic resources, including gas, mineral oil, gems, gold, uranium, lithium, cobalt, diamonds, and timber. There is intense commercial competition over these resources, and the European Union, America, China, Russia, and India are all involved.
Senegalese President BASSIROU FAYE says his country is ready to maintain trade, economic, and diplomatic relations with all countries worldwide. He has emphasised the need to work closely with China, Russia, and America.
African Region’s Resources Lost to Its People
Africa is a suitable region for numerous investments. It has abundant land available for agricultural projects and is rich in natural resources, including water, oil, natural gas, minerals, forests, and wildlife.
The African continent claims a large number of renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Globally, Africa represents 30% of mineral reserves, 8% of natural gas, and 12% of oil reserves.
The African region also claims 40% of the world’s gold and 90% of chrome and platinum reserves. Cobalt, diamond, platinum, and uranium reserves are also found in Africa. Notably, 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of continental renewable freshwater sources belong to Africa.
However, it’s reported that a significant portion of these resources are being exploited. Illegal financial flows, mining, logging, fishing, environmental exploitation, and deforestation have deprived Africa and its people of the right to enjoy these resources. Due to these conditions, African people lose around $195 billion worth of natural capital annually.
Aspiration for Independent Governance
Another significant point is that Africa, with all these resources, will have accumulated $1,800 billion in debt by 2024, an increase of 183% since 2010. Meanwhile, nearly 400 million people in Africa live in extreme poverty. Why must these people suffer while possessing such vast economic resources? They are now seeking solutions to this question. Accordingly, newly appointed leaders are lining up to establish independent governance. The actions of Senegal and Chad represent this aspiration.
