France, Feb. 7 -- Jean-Marie Bockel, the minister for cooperation under former president, Nicolas Sarkozy has been named special envoy to Africa.

According to a letter obtained byRFI,Jean-Marie Bockel's mission will be to supportSenegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon and Chad as part of the evolution of the French military presence in these countries.

These are the last remaining African countries where French still has a military presence. Djibouti in East Africa will not be part ofBockel's mission.

French President Emmanuel Macronappointed Bockel early on Tuesday.

According to the letter of appointment, Bockel is tasked with "changing the status, format and tasks of French bases in Africa." Macron vows era of French interference in Africa is...