Franco–Senegalese Relations 2000–2012

This research paper by Tony Chafer, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, examines the multi-dimensional relationship between France and Senegal from 2000 to 2012. It analyzes the historical context, economic ties, cultural exchange, military cooperation, and political tensions, particularly during the presidency of Abdoulaye Wade, and looks forward to the transition under President Macky Sall.

• France remains Senegal's primary economic partner, serving as its largest foreign investor, biggest supplier of goods and services, and largest bilateral aid donor. In 2011, French exports to Senegal totaled EUR 887 million, while imports from Senegal were EUR 96 million, resulting in a trade surplus of EUR 791 million for France.
• Under President Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal actively diversified its foreign relations to reduce exclusive dependence on France. This included seeking investment and trade from India, China, and Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, which funded infrastructure for the 2008 Islamic Conference.
• French military presence in Senegal has been significantly reduced and restructured. Troops were cut from 1,300 to 450, with a further goal of 300. The mission shifted from intervention capacity to regional security cooperation via the Eléments Français au Sénégal (EFS), supporting the African Standby Force and Ecowas.
• Cultural and educational ties remain strong, with France being the top destination for Senegalese students, hosting 9,842 students in 2010‑2011. However, the 'aura' of France as a dream destination has declined among young Senegalese due to restrictive visa policies and the treatment of immigrants.
• Political relations during the Wade presidency were marked by volatility and mutual distrust. Tensions peaked over Wade's attempts to secure a 'dynastic succession' for his son, Karim Wade, which France did not support, and were further strained by Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 speech at Cheikh Anta Diop University regarding Africa's history.
• The 2012 election of Macky Sall in Senegal and François Hollande in France is viewed as a potential turning point toward a more serene and cooperative relationship. Sall's first overseas visit was to Paris, where France promised a EUR 130 million budget support loan.
• Two specific legal and social issues persist as potential friction points: the 2002 sinking of the ferry Le Joola, which led to French arrest warrants for Senegalese officials, and the 'selective immigration' agreement regarding the expulsion of illegal immigrants from France.
• France and Senegal have cooperated on regional conflict resolution, including the 2003 Linas-Marcoussis negotiations for Côte d’Ivoire, peace-keeping in Darfur, and mediation in Madagascar in 2009.

APA

Chafer, T. (2013). Franco–Senegalese Relations 2000–2012. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Occasional-Paper-133.pdf

Chicago

Chafer, Tony. Franco–Senegalese Relations 2000–2012. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2013. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Occasional-Paper-133.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Chafer |first1=Tony |title=Franco–Senegalese Relations 2000–2012 |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=January 2013 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Occasional-Paper-133.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{chafer2013francosenegalese, author = {Chafer, Tony}, title = {{Franco–Senegalese Relations 2000–2012}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2013}, month = jan, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Occasional-Paper-133.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }