France, Feb. 7 -- France is preparing to hand Cote d'Ivoire back its only military base in the country in a ceremony on 20 February, further diminishing French influence in West Africa.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara announced the planned withdrawal in December, making it the latest country in the region to dismantle military ties with former colonial power France.

"The scheduled date is 20 February. Cote d'Ivoire is ready," according to an AFP source in the country, with sources on the French side confirming the date.

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu is expected to attend the official ceremony with his Ivorian counterpart Tene Birahima Ouattara.

Cote d'Ivoire announces French military exit after decades-long stayReorgan...