Since 1961, France has had national reserves of 14 African countries, namely; Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Each African country’s central bank is obligated to keep at least 65% of its foreign reserves in an “account of operations” French Treasury, and another 20% to cover financial commitments.