Twelve schools in Senegal run by members of Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), which is blamed for the 2016 coup attempt, will soon be handed over to a Turkish foundation.

Nilgün Erdem Arı, Turkish ambassador to Senegal, told Anadolu Agency that the legal process was drawing to a conclusion to transfer the schools to Maarif Foundation, which was set up after the coup attempt last year in July.

Maarif Foundation is tasked to boost Turkey's presence in the education sector abroad as well as taking over schools linked to the terrorist group.

FETÖ boasts a global network of schools and companies. The group was once known for its schools, which ranged from Africa all the way to the far corners of Asia, before it launched a campaign to seize power in Turkey with its infiltrators in police, military and judiciary.

Ambassador Arı says the 12 schools in Senegal accommodated about 3,000 students.

"We reached an agreement with Senegalese authorities. The schools will be handed over soon," the ambassador said, noting close cooperation between the two countries after the July 15 coup attempt.

"The Senegalese showed solidarity with Turkey. Senegalese expatriates in Turkey, for instance, joined democracy rallies in Turkey after the coup attempt," she said.

The Maarif Foundation took over 30 schools linked to the terrorist group since it was launched in September 2016.

Most African countries decided to shut down the schools and hand them to Turkey. Africa is one of the continents where FETÖ has vast influence.