French force withdraws from Cote d'Ivoire

The French force in Cote d'Ivoire is withdrawing from the country's economic capital Abidjan and the city's airport.

The French troops, including those who helped evacuate French nationals from the West African country, decided to withdraw as part of a peace deal made with the army of Cote d'Ivoire.

The French military will soon hand over some civilian facilities to the government of Cote d'Ivoire.

But, a French military officer says they will continue to help with security at the Abidjan airport and nearby areas after their withdrawal.

France, which has some 5,000 forces in Cote d'Ivoire, took control of Abidjan airport early this month and they helped evacuate thousands of foreigners fleeing unrest in the West African country.