ALALAM

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade announced his country was taking back military bases held by former colonial power France at midnight as the country marked 50 years of independence Sunday.

"I solemnly declare that from 00H00 (GMT) April 4 Senegal will take back all the (military) bases formerly held by France and intends to exert its sovereignty," Wade said in an address to the nation on public television.

"Regarding the time frame for the release of these bases, I have asked the prime minister and army chief of staff to begin talks with the French side."

Wade was speaking Saturday on the eve of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Senegal's independence from France, on April 4, 1960.

As Wade spoke, French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux was arriving to represent France at Sunday's ceremonies, which will include a military parade in which French soldiers will take part.

"This year will be different from the others," said Wade at the start of his speech.

Following independence, Senegal had agreed to let its former colonial masters France keep military bases there, he said.

In Paris, a French defence ministry spokesman said talks between the two countries were ongoing on the maintenance of French forces on Senegalese territory.