Template:Short description Template:Infobox national military

The Armed Forces of Senegal (Template:Langx) consists of about 17,000 personnel in the army, air force, navy, and gendarmerie. The Senegal military force receives most of its training, equipment, and support from France and the United States. Germany also provides support but on a smaller scale.

Military noninterference in political affairs has contributed to Senegal's stability since independence. Senegal has participated in many international and regional peacekeeping missions. Most recently, in 2000, Senegal sent a battalion to the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in MONUC, the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Senegal also agreed to deploy a United States-trained battalion to Sierra Leone to participate in UNAMSIL, another UN peacekeeping mission. The training operation was designated Operation Focus Relief and involved U.S. Army Special Forces from 3rd Special Forces Group training a number of West African battalions, including Nigerian ones.

As one of the largest troop contributors in Africa (per capita) to African Union missions, United Nations missions, and other regional security organizations, the Senegalese military has proven itself to be one of the most effective and reliable militaries on the African continent. This is remarkable given that Senegal is poorer than the average Sub-Saharan African country. Most importantly, the army of Senegal is multi-ethnic, not coup-proofed, and has never attempted a coup d'état, which is a rarity in Africa. Harmonious Senegalese civil-military relations since independence have permitted the creation of an effective 'military enclave' that is a capable institution not a threat to the political leadership in Dakar.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Summary of past military actionsEdit

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  • In August 1989, Senegalese-Gambian military cooperation ceased with the dissolution of the Senegambian Confederation.
  • In 1990, 500 Senegalese troops were deployed to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Gulf War. 92 of them were killed after the end of the conflict in a plane crash on 21 March 1991.
  • In 1992 1,500 men were sent to the ECOMOG peacekeeping group in Liberia.
  • In 1994, a battalion-sized force was sent to Rwanda to participate in the UN peacekeeping mission there.
  • Senegal intervened in the Guinea-Bissau civil war in 1998 at the request of former President Vieira.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • A Senegalese contingent deployed on a peacekeeping mission to the Central African Republic in 1997.
  • In 2017, Senegal deployed troops into the Gambia to support newly elected President Adama Barrow, an action legally justified by UN resolution 2337.

The Army ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) is the leading force within the Senegalese armed forces and provides the chief of staff and the {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}.

ArmyEdit

Since independence from France in 1960, the army has gone through a large number of reorganisations. The army's heritage includes the Tirailleurs sénégalais. In 1978, Senegal dispatched a battalion to the Inter-African Force in Zaire, in the aftermath of the Shaba II fighting. The Senegalese contingent was under the command of Colonel Osmane Ndoye.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Senegalese force comprised a parachute battalion from Thiaroye.

The Army currently consists of two divisions, the Operations Division and the Logistic Division. The IISS estimated in 2012 that the Army had a strength of 11,900 soldiers, three armoured battalions the 22nd, 24th, and 25th (at Bignona) and the 26th {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} at Kolda; there are six infantry battalions numbered 1st to 6th.<ref>IISS Military Balance 2012, 449.</ref> 3rd Battalion may have been at Kaolack with 4th at Tambacounda at one point.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Also reported is the 12th Battalion of the 2nd Military Zone at Saint Louis (Dakhar Bango),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> along with the Prytanée militaire de Saint-Louis, a military secondary school.

Although the Senegalese Air Force is geared towards supporting it, the army may have previously maintained its own very small aviation branch, called the "{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}" (like the French army's equivalent), which may have counted up to five light helicopters and two SA330 Puma transport helicopters. The IISS Military Balance 2012 does not list any helicopters in army service.

National GendarmerieEdit

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

The Gendarmerie is a military force which provides policing and security. It includes a Territorial Gendarmerie with general policing duties, and a Mobile Gendarmerie for special tasks and serious public disorder.

The Senegalese gendarmerie evolved out of a French colonial Spahi detachment sent to Senegal in 1845. This detachment (which became today's Red Guard of Senegal) was the cadre around which the "Colonial Gendarmerie" was formed. On independence this became the National Gendarmerie.

The commander is General Abdoulaye Fall (a different person from the current Armed Forces Chief of Staff of the same name), whose rank is divisional general, and whose full job title is "High Commander of the Gendarmerie and Director of Military Justice".

NavyEdit

The navy ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), also known as the {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, is of small size and is commanded by a ship-of-the-line captain. It is responsible for securing Senegal's Template:Convert Atlantic coastline which is strategically located on the extreme west of the African continent. The coastline is divided in two by The Gambia. The navy was created in 1975.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Navy operates two bases, one at Dakar and the other at Elinkine. The navy also patrols the Template:Convert territorial waters as well as a declared Template:Convert exclusive economic zone.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

The Navy is divided into three branches known as "groupings":<ref>Bryden & N'Diaye (eds), 'Security Sector Governance in Francophone West Africa, DCAF, 2011, 207.</ref>

  • The Operational Naval Grouping ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), which is divided into three flotillas and one group:
    • The High Seas Patrol Boats ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}),
    • The Coastal Surveillance Vessels ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}),
    • The Fast Coastal Boats ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) and
    • The Transport Group ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}).
  • The Naval Support Grouping ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) responsible for ports, repairs, training, and logistics.
  • The Fluvial-Maritime Surveillance Grouping.

Air ForceEdit

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The air force ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) is orientated towards providing support for ground forces and resembles an army aviation corps. It possesses Mil Mi-24 gunship helicopters, as well as transport and reconnaissance aircraft.

Military AreasEdit

At the present time, there are seven military zones:<ref>État Major des Armees, Zones militaires Template:Webarchive, accessed August 2009</ref>

Each zone comprises a garrison office that caters to military issues and a social service office. The IISS Military Balance listed four zones in 2007.

EquipmentEdit

Small armsEdit

Name Image Caliber Type Origin Notes
Pistols
Walther PP<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). Template:ISBN.</ref> File:1972 Walther PP.jpg .25 ACP Semi-automatic pistol Template:Flag
PAMAS G1<ref name="jones2009" /> File:DCB-Shooting MAS G1S.jpg 9×19mm Semi-automatic pistol Template:Flag
Template:Flag
MAC 50<ref name="jones2009" /> File:MAC-50 detoured.jpg 9×19mm Semi-automatic pistol Template:Flag
Manurhin MR 73<ref name="jones2009" /> File:Manurhin-MR-73.jpg .357 Magnum Revolver Template:Flag
Submachine guns
MAS-38<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> File:MAS 1938 submachine gun-IMG 7409-white.jpg 7.65×20mm Submachine gun Template:Flag
MAT-49<ref name="jones2009" /> File:MAT Submachine Gun.jpg 9×19mm Submachine gun Template:Flag
SMT9<ref>Moss, Matthew (June 8th, 2020) "Senegal's Security Forces Buy Taurus Carbines & SMGs" TheFirearmBlog.com, 2024, https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/06/08/taurus-sells-carbines-smgs-to-senegal/, Date accessed: 8/10/2024</ref> Submachine gun Template:Flag
Rifles
FAMAS<ref name="NMAA" /> File:FAMAS-img 1016.jpg 5.56×45mm Bullpup
Assault rifle
Template:Flag
M16<ref name="NMAA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:M16A2 rightside noBG.jpg 5.56×45mm Assault rifle Template:Flag
M4<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:PEO M4 Carbine RAS M68 CCO.png 5.56×45mm Carbine
Assault rifle
Template:Flag
CAR-15<ref name="jones2009" /> File:USAF GAU 5A noBG.png 5.56×45mm Carbine
Assault rifle
Template:Flag
Taurus T4<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref>Moss, Matthew (June 8th, 2020) "Senegal's Security Forces Buy Taurus Carbines & SMGs" TheFirearmBlog.com, 2024, https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/06/08/taurus-sells-carbines-smgs-to-senegal/, Date accessed: 8/10/2024</ref>

File:Fuzil T4.jpg 5.56×45mm Carbine
Assault rifle
Template:Flag
Norinco CQ<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:NORINCO Type CQ 5'56x45mm assault rifle.jpg 5.56×45mm Assault rifle Template:Flag
Daewoo K1<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:South Korean K1 carbine No.1 0.jpg .223 Remington Carbine
Assault rifle
Template:Flag Received 280 K1A rifles in 2003.
Daewoo K2<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:Daewoo K2 rifle 0.jpg 5.56×45mm Carbine
Assault rifle
Template:Flag
IWI Tavor<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:IWI-Tavor-TAR-21w1.jpg 5.56×45mm Bullpup
Assault rifle
Template:Flag
IWI Tavor X95<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:MicroTavorX95MARS-white.jpg 5.56×45mm Bullpup
Assault rifle
Template:Flag
Heckler & Koch G3<ref name="jones2009" /> File:H&K G3FS.jpg 7.62×51mm Battle rifle Template:Flag
Template:Flag
French-made G3s
SIG SG 540<ref name="jones2009" /> File:SG 540 Manurhin noBG.png 7.62×51mm Battle rifle Template:Flag
MAS-36<ref name="wwii equipment used after the war">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:MAS Modèle 36 right side.jpg 7.5×54mm Bolt-action rifle Template:Flag
MAS-49/56<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> File:MAS 49 56.JPG 7.5×54mm Semi-automatic rifle Template:Flag
Sniper rifles
SVD<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:SVD Dragunov.jpg 7.62×54mmR Sniper rifle
Designated marksman rifle
Template:Flag
KNT-76<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:MPT-76 Assault Rifle noBG.png 7.62×51mm Designated marksman rifle Template:Flag
IWI Galatz<ref name="NMAA" /> File:Galil-Sniper-Galatz-r001.jpg 5.56×45mm Designated marksman rifle Template:Flag
Machine guns
IWI Negev<ref name="NMAA" /> File:IWI-Negev-Zachi-Evenor-01-white.jpg 5.56×45mm Light machine gun Template:Flag
AA-52<ref name="jones2009" /> File:Mitrailleuse-IMG 1728.jpg 7.62×51mm General-purpose machine gun Template:Flag
Heckler & Koch HK21<ref name="jones2009" /> File:HK 21 LMG RIGHT SIDE.jpg 7.62×51mm General-purpose machine gun Template:Flag
M60<ref name="dsca.mil">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:M60 Medium Machine Gun (7414626098).jpg 7.62×51mm General-purpose machine gun Template:Flag
Browning M2<ref name="jones2009" /> File:PEO Browning M2E2 QCB (c1).jpg .50 BMG Heavy machine gun Template:Flag
Rocket propelled grenade launchers
RPG-7<ref name="jones2009" /> File:Rpg-7.jpg 40mm Rocket-propelled grenade Template:Flag
LRAC F1<ref name="Shea2010">Template:Cite magazine</ref> File:LRAC F1-detoured-cropped.png 89mm Shoulder-launched missile weapon Template:Flag

Anti-tank weaponsEdit

Name Image Type Origin Caliber Notes
MILAN<ref name="Military Balance 2020">Template:Cite book</ref> File:Tag der Bundeswehr Jagel 2019 HJL 13 noBG.png Anti-tank missile Template:Flag
Template:Flag
496

Anti-aircraft weaponsEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
Bofors L/60Template:Sfn File:40mm bofors AA-gun in Finland.JPG Autocannon Template:Flag 12
20 mm modèle F2 gun File:20mm F2 gun.jpg Autocannon Template:Flag 21 Used for air defence.

ArtilleryEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
Rocket artillery
Bastion-01 File:Ukrainian BM-21 Grad Bastion-01 in Kyiv, Ukraine on 22 of August, 2014 IMG 7655 01.JPG Multiple rocket launcher Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Field artillery
M101 File:JGSDF 105mm Howitzer M2A1(Type 58 105mm Howitzer) left front view at Camp Nihonbara October 1, 2017.jpg Howitzer Template:Flag 6Template:Sfn
M-50 File:M-1950-beyt-hatotchan-2.jpg Howitzer Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

TRF1 File:TRM-10000 - TRF-1 003 FR.JPG Howitzer Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Mortars
MO-120-RT-61 File:Mortier 120mm fh000021.jpg Towed mortar Template:Flag 32

Tank destroyersEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
WMA-301 File:WMA-301 tank destroyers of Djiboutian Army.jpg Tank destroyer Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Infantry fighting vehiclesEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
Ratel IFV File:Ratel 90 armyrecognition South-Africa 008.jpg Infantry fighting vehicle Template:Flag 26<ref name="IISS2016">Template:Cite book</ref>

Armored personnel carriersEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
Panhard M3 File:PanhardM3.png Armoured personnel carrier Template:Flag 16<ref name="trade" />
M3 half-track File:M3 half track 9-08-2008 14-47-56.JPG Half-track
Armored personnel carrier
Template:Flag 12<ref name="trade" />
WZ-551 File:Sri Lanka Military 0233.jpg Command post Template:Flag 1<ref name="SenegalParadeJanes" />
EE-11 Urutu File:EE-11 Urutu — 15RcMecEs.jpg Amphibious Armored personnel carrier Template:Flag Unknown<ref name="Senegal">Template:Cite news</ref>
RG-31 Nyala File:RG-31.JPG Infantry mobility vehicle Template:Flag Unknown
Dozor-B File:Dozor-B, Kyiv 2018, 01.jpg Infantry mobility vehicle Template:Flag 6<ref name="janes_com" />

ReconnaissanceEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
Panhard AML File:AML-90 DM-SC-91-12078.JPEG Armored car Template:Flag 53<ref name="trade" />
Eland-90 File:Eland Armoured Vehicle.jpg Armored car Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

RAM MK3 File:RAM2000vehicle.jpg Armored Car Template:Flag 55<ref name="NMAA" />

Mine-Resistant Ambush ProtectedEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
Casspir File:Mechem Casspir Mk II (9686200019).jpg MRAP Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Katmerciler Hizir II File:Hızır4x4 zırhlı araç.jpg MRAP Template:Flag N/A
PUMA M26-15 File:OTT Puma M26-15 MRAP (9686047211).jpg MRAP Template:Flag 30<ref name="NMAA" />
Ejder Yalçın File:Ejder Yalçın.jpg MRAP Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Utility vehiclesEdit

Name Image Type Origin Quantity Status Notes
Humvee File:2015 MCAS Beaufort Air Show 041215-M-CG676-161.jpg Light utility vehicle Template:Flag citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

M151 File:AMG M151 A2 (1978) GB (owner Gavin Broad).JPG Utility vehicle Template:Flag Unknown<ref name="BDAR">Template:Cite book</ref>

AircraftEdit

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}Navy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

CitationsEdit

Template:Reflist Part of this article is derived from the equivalent article at French Wikipedia

ReferencesEdit

External linksEdit

Template:Senegal topics Template:Military of Africa