Editor’s notice: Seymur Mammadov, a particular commentator for Information.Az. The article displays the creator’s opinions and never essentially the views of Information.Az.
Senegal, a former French colony on the western coast of Africa, is getting ready for a brand new part in its historical past geared toward strengthening its independence and sovereignty. The nation’s new Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has introduced plans to take away overseas army forces, primarily French ones from Senegalese territory. This determination was revealed throughout a gathering with the chief of the French opposition get together La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France), Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the Seneweb portal studies.
Sonko questioned the continued presence of French army bases in Senegal greater than sixty years after the nation gained independence. In line with him, the presence of overseas troops contradicts the insurance policies of self-determination and state sovereignty.
“We should ask ourselves why the French military nonetheless advantages from quite a few army bases in our nation and the way this impacts our nationwide sovereignty,” Sonko famous.
The concept of eradicating overseas troops has gained widespread assist amongst Senegalese folks. Sociological surveys point out that almost all of the inhabitants shares the Prime Minister’s views and is in favour of strengthening nationwide sovereignty. Many imagine that the presence of overseas army forces is a legacy of the colonial previous and hinders the event of true independence for the nation.
Moreover, Senegalese politicians and public figures actively assist Sonko’s initiative. Native consultants emphasize that the withdrawal of overseas troops will enable the nation to deal with inner points and strengthen its personal defence capabilities.
The official web site of the Senegalese Prime Minister has posted an attraction to West African nations that also rely on France, in addition to to different African states:
“France is the principle explanation for poverty in West African nations. The flame of true independence ignited in Mali. Let’s unfold this throughout your entire continent, the place the Nineteen Sixties noticed faux independence from France. Battle and urge France to cease all its conspiracies, crimes, and schemes in all West African nations,” the attraction stated.
Senegal’s determination to take away overseas troops is harking back to related actions by one other former French colony, Niger. After a army coup final summer season, the brand new authorities in Niger expelled French and American troops and severed all ties with Paris. As a substitute of overseas troops, Russian forces arrived in Niger, symbolizing a quest for independence and self-determination.
Niger’s expertise exhibits that the withdrawal of overseas troops could be accompanied by difficulties but additionally brings important benefits. Regardless of financial sanctions and political isolation from the worldwide neighborhood, Niger has managed to ascertain cooperation with new companions and strengthen its safety.
The Prime Minister of Senegal expressed assist for the Sahel states corresponding to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the place army coups have additionally occurred and have been condemned by the worldwide neighborhood and Western nations. On account of isolation from former allies, the states of the area have intensified cooperation with Russia and have severed ties with France. International troops have been withdrawn, and Russian forces at the moment are aiding in combating Islamist insurgencies.
The Sahel trio — Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — introduced the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States and the formation of joint forces to combat jihadists. This determination was prompted by the sanctions of the Financial Group of West African States (ECOWAS) towards the rebellious members. Strengthening cooperation with Russia and forming new alliances displays the regional nations’ need for higher self-determination and independence.
Senegal’s aspiration for full independence has deep historic roots. The colonial interval left a big mark on the political and financial lifetime of the nation. Regardless of formally gaining independence in 1960, France continued to affect Senegal’s inner affairs by way of financial and army constructions.
For a few years, France maintained its army presence within the area, justifying it with the combat towards terrorism and guaranteeing safety. Nonetheless, for a lot of African nations, together with Senegal, such presence has grow to be an emblem of neocolonialism and an impediment to full sovereignty.
At the moment’s world scenario, characterised by rising multipolarity and the emergence of recent world gamers, creates distinctive alternatives for African nations. The withdrawal of overseas troops and the strengthening of nationwide sovereignty are essential steps in the direction of constructing impartial and autonomous insurance policies.
Senegal’s plans to take away overseas troops are a part of a broader motion for sovereignty and independence in Africa. The success of those efforts might result in important modifications within the geopolitical panorama of the area, the place nations try for higher self-determination and independence from former colonial powers. Ousmane Sonko and his authorities intend to do every part doable to make Senegal a completely impartial and sovereign state. The departure of overseas troops can be an essential step on this path, opening up new alternatives for improvement and strengthening nationwide identification.
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