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Date: | Wed, 7 Apr 2010 15:11:12 EDT |
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Courtesy: BBC News. Haruna.
Senegal 'takes back French bases'
By David Bamford
BBC News
Abdoulaye Wade presides over anniversary celebrations
Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade says his country is taking back control
of all military bases held by the former colonial power France.
He made the announcement in a televised address as Senegal marked 50 years
of independence.
France and Senegal had reached agreement in February on the future of the
bases.
Earlier, Senegal had inaugurated its controversial Monument of African
Renaissance.
In his address, Mr Wade solemnly declared that Senegal was formally
assuming sovereignty over military bases that since decolonisation in 1960 have
continued to house French army and air force personnel.
The announcement appeared designed to boost national pride in a country
that sees itself as shaking off the last vestiges of colonialism.
In fact, France and Senegal reached an amicable agreement last February
under which most of the 1,200 French military personnel based in Senegal
would leave this year.
For some years, France has been steadily reducing its presence in Africa,
both militarily and economically.
Earlier, Senegal unveiled the African Renaissance monument - a bronze
monument bigger than the Statue of Liberty.
Some of the 19 African leaders who attended the ceremony praised its
scope, but thousands of protesters complained at its cost of $27m.
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