France says to shut down military bases in Senegal

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-20 15:36

PARIS: France announced on Friday that it will shut down its military bases in Senegal, but will retain a defense cooperation unit in the capital city Dakar.

French Defense Minister Herve Morin discussed the issue with Senegalese authorities during a brief visit to the African country on Friday, according to defense ministry sources.

While the timetable for the withdrawal of France's bases and the issue of French troop levels after the pullout are still under discussion, an agreement will be reached soon, the ministry said.

About 1,200 French troops are currently stationed in Senegal, according to French media estimates.

According to its defense white paper published in 2008, France plans to save one base on the Atlantic side of the African continent and one on the Indian Ocean side.

France maintains a military presence in eight African countries, including Senegal, Cameroon, the Central Africa Republic, Gabon and Chad.