In a move aimed at reducing its military presence in West and Central Africa, France is preparing to reduce its troop numbers to around 600 soldiers according to President Emmanuel Macron’s program, as reported by three sources to AFP.

Earlier last year, President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant reduction in the French military presence in Africa, amid increasing anti-French sentiments in some former colonies and growing efforts by countries like Russia to enhance their presence in the region.

The withdrawal plan also includes maintaining approximately 100 soldiers in Gabon in Central Africa and a similar number in Senegal in West Africa, compared to the current 350 troops stationed in each country.