In a moment heavy with history and symbolism, France has officially ended its decades-long military presence in Senegal, closing

France handed over control of its last major military facility in Senegal on Thursday, marking the end of its armed forces' long presence in the West African country and a milestone in a withdrawal from the wider region.

France has officially withdrawn its military forces from Senegal, marking the end of a 65-year presence in the West African nation. On Thursday, the French army handed over its last remaining base to Senegalese authorities,