Macron declares the military effort against jihadists in West Africa to be over

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, stated on Wednesday that after more than ten years, France was concluding its Barkhane anti-jihadist mission in Africa. He added that a new strategy will be developed with African partners.

In a keynote address on military strategy, Macron stated, “I have decided, in coordination with our partners, to make official today the conclusion of the Barkhane operation.”

He stated that the action was “the outcome of what we have experienced” in recent months and that a new strategy would be developed during the following six months.

According to the guidelines that we have established with them, we will continue to provide military assistance to African nations, said Macron.

He said that in order to make France’s own deployment lighter and more dynamic, future policy would be built on much tighter collaboration with African forces.

During a speech to senior military officials and diplomats onboard a French helicopter carrier, Macron said, “Our interactions with our partners in Africa will be focused on a logic of cooperation and depending on their arms.”

In response to growing opposition from many who view French forces as the incompetent occupiers of a former colonial power, Macron withdrew French troops from Mali this year as relations with the nation’s military leadership deteriorated.

There are still about 3,000 French troops deployed in Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger. A decrease in population is not currently anticipated.

In order to “alter the status, format, and mission” of French outposts in Africa, Macron announced that in the following days, discussions will be initiated with African countries, regional organizations, and allies.

“Our interventions need to be planned in advance and have tougher time constraints.”

We don’t want to be involved in overseas activities indefinitely, he declared.

According to him, the alliance must “react to the precise requests” put forth by African nations.

(AFP)