The French military base "Faya" in Chad was returned to the Chadian army today, less than a month after the surprise announcement of the termination of the military agreement between Paris and N'Djamena, the Chadian general staff said in a statement sent to AFP, BTA reported.
The French soldiers, whose exact number is not known, left "Faya" by road and headed for N'Djamena, less than 780 km southwest.
"The handover is in accordance with the schedule established with the Chadian partner and follows the normal course of the plan", the French armed forces headquarters said.
French soldiers and combat aircraft have been stationed in Chad almost continuously since independence in 1960, serving to train and prepare the Chadian military. The French army has nearly 1,000 personnel at three bases in Chad, the majority of whom are at the "Kossey" camp.
Chad was France's last stronghold in the Sahel and N'Djamena's decision at the end of November to end the defense agreement with its old ally surprised Paris, AFP noted.