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Pape Alléon has been working as a forklift operator for the French forces in Senegal for nearly three years
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Spending his time in a warehouse, he is one of 162 employees of French military sites in Senegal
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who will be laid off this coming June, one of the consequences of the French troops' departure
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We were surprised. It's difficult given the conditions. With current inflation, it's difficult to lose your job
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These are state and diplomatic decisions. There's nothing we can do about it
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To support workers in finding new jobs, the French military organized a job fair for Pape and his colleagues
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They have also granted a severance lump sum of 1.9 million euros
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to be shared among those losing out. The union representing these workers has appealed to the Senegalese government
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also advocating for their possible recruitment into the Senegalese army. Although nothing is confirmed, Senegal's Minister of Labour says the option is under consideration
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We have received a recommendation from the Prime Minister, asking us to work with the Ministry of the Armed Forces
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to see what can be done to assist these people and redeploy them
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I've received a letter from the Ministry of the Armed Forces to that effect
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A committee has been set up to look into the possibility of reintegrating them into the army
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The handover of military installations from France to Senegal began this March and is
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expected to be completed by the end of 2025
