France withdraws from the Sahel, 'away the military'

France is tired of being a gendarme in the Sahel alone and announces a "profound transformation" of its military presence in the area. After 8 years in the African region and 55 French casualties, Emmanuel Macron announced the end of Operation Barkhane as France's "external operation", with the gradual withdrawal of his soldiers and the closure of several military bases, particularly in Mali.

    The fight against jihadist terrorism will continue, of course, but within the framework of an international alliance, in which Italy also participates, and which sees "the states of the region associated", warned the president, without however providing dates or details. on the reduction of the 5,100 French soldiers currently present on the ground. Macron will communicate again on this dossier at the end of the month.

    For the president, the time has come for things to change. Eight years after the first Serval mission, with which François Hollande responded to a request for help from Bamako, Macron's finding is very bitter: "We cannot secure areas that fall into chaos and the absence of law because states decide to not assume their responsibilities. It is impossible, if not a never-ending job ", is the not too veiled dig at the Malian leaders after the two recent coups, which Macron - after all the efforts made by France to stabilize the region - they are not at all liked.