Les Relations Franco– Sénégalaises 2000–2012

This research paper by Tony Chafer, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in April 2013, examines the multifaceted relations between France and Senegal from 2000 to 2012. It analyzes the historical context, economic ties, cultural exchanges, military cooperation, and political tensions, particularly during the presidency of Abdoulaye Wade, and looks toward the transition to the presidency of Macky Sall.

• France maintains a dominant but diversifying economic position in Senegal. While it remains the largest supplier of goods and services and the top foreign investor, Senegal has actively diversified its partners to include India, China, the Middle East, and the United States. For instance, the share of industrial companies that were French subsidiaries dropped from 90% in 2003 to between 75% and 80% by 2012.
• France is the primary bilateral donor to Senegal. In 2010, France provided 119 million EUR in aid, exceeding contributions from the World Bank (83 million EUR), the United States (77 million EUR), and the EU (63 million EUR). Following the election of Macky Sall in March 2012, France announced a 130 million EUR budget support loan over three years via the Agence française de développement (AFD).
• Cultural and educational ties remain strong, with France being the preferred destination for Senegalese students. In 2010–2011, 9,842 Senegalese students were studying in France. However, President Abdoulaye Wade sought to diversify cultural relations by commissioning China for the new national theater and North Korea for the Monument de la Renaissance africaine.
• French military presence in Senegal has been significantly reduced and restructured. Troops were cut from 1,300 to 450, with a further goal of reaching 300. Since August 1, 2011, the forces have been renamed the Éléments français au Sénégal (EFS), shifting their mission from intervention to regional security cooperation and training, including support for the ECOWAS (CEDEAO) standby force.
• Political relations under President Abdoulaye Wade were characterized by ambiguity and periodic tension. Relations deteriorated after 2007 due to French concerns over governance and corruption, and France's refusal to support Wade's attempt to establish a 'dynastic succession' for his son, Karim Wade. Additionally, Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 speech at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) was widely criticized as paternalistic.
• France and Senegal have collaborated on regional conflict resolution, despite a lack of systematic cooperation in multilateral forums. Notable examples include the 2003 Linas-Marcoussis negotiations regarding the Ivorian political crisis, the 2008 coup in Mauritania, and the 2009 uprising in Madagascar, where President Wade acted as mediator with French logistical support.
• The number of French experts and technical assistants in Senegal has declined sharply, falling by half since 2007 to approximately 120. This is part of a broader French policy shift toward 'partnerships' and 'African solutions to African problems,' leading to the abolition of the French legal advisor and military advisor roles to the president by 2009.
• Two significant legal and social issues continue to strain relations: the judicial proceedings regarding the 2002 sinking of the ferry 'Joola' (which killed 22 French citizens) and the policy of 'chosen immigration' (immigration choisie), which has led to the expulsion of Senegalese migrants from France.

APA

Chafer, T. (2013). Les Relations Franco– Sénégalaises 2000–2012. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-142.pdf

Chicago

Chafer, Tony. Les Relations Franco– Sénégalaises 2000–2012. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2013. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-142.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Chafer |first1=Tony |title=Les Relations Franco– Sénégalaises 2000–2012 |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=April 2013 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-142.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{chafer2013les, author = {Chafer, Tony}, title = {{Les Relations Franco– Sénégalaises 2000–2012}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2013}, month = apr, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Occasional-Paper-142.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }