France on Thursday formally ended its permanent military presence in Senegal, handing over its last major military base in the West African nation, in a move that signals a wider shift in its engagement across the region.

During a symbolic ceremony at Camp Geille in Dakar, General Pascal Ianni, the commander of French forces in Africa, handed over the facility’s key to Senegalese authorities.

As the Senegalese flag was raised and the national anthem played, the event marked the end of an era spanning more than two centuries of French military presence in the country.

"Today's transfer of Camp Geille marks a new stage in the evolution of the partnership between our two armed forces," General Ianni said. "It is a response to the Senegalese authorities' wish to no longer have permanent foreign forces present on their territory."

The handover comes in line with a decision made by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who had announced last year that the existence of French military bases was at odds with the country’s sovereignty and that control of the bases must be returned.

The withdrawal process was structured and consensual, unlike recent troop exits in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military-led governments expelled French forces and turned to Russia for security support.

France began transferring its facilities in Senegal in March, starting with two other military sites in Dakar.

General Mbaye Cisse, the head of the Senegalese armed forces general staff, welcomed the move and said the countries would continue to work together on military training and information exchange.

"We wish all our comrades and their families a safe return to France," said General Cisse. He added that the deep historical links between the two nations would continue to support strong cooperation going forward.

Although France is reducing its footprint in West and Central Africa, it has committed to maintaining partnerships focused on training, intelligence sharing, and support based on individual country requests.

French troops have been stationed in Senegal since before the country gained independence in 1960, drawing growing criticism in recent years over their continued presence.

France has also faced longstanding demands from Senegal to fully investigate the 1944 massacre of African soldiers who served under its flag during World War Two.