The Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly described Monday, August 7 as a "
tragedy
" the death of two French soldiers in Mali on Saturday, while calling for "to
continue this fight
", during a visit to the military schools of Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan (Morbihan ).
“
It's a tragedy and at the same time we must continue this fight.
These two boys, these two soldiers (...) did not give their lives for nothing.
They fought for France and led a fight against terrorism which does not stop, which must be continued,
”declared the Minister.
Read also: Two French soldiers killed in Mali by a homemade bomb
She said her "
very deep sadness
" and expressed her "
most sincere condolences
" to the families of the victims, adding that she would go to Tarbes on Wednesday for a ceremony of tribute to the regiment of soldiers.
"
It is not when (our) strategy begins to bear fruit that we must relax our efforts,
" said Ms. Parly.
“
Obviously, we would like it to go faster, but I think you have to be stubborn, be patient and be committed.
"
According to the general staff, 45 French soldiers died in combat in the context of operations "
Serval
" (launched in 2013) and "
Barkhane
" (since August 2014), which has some 5,000 soldiers.
The Minister also announced the creation of a third initial training school for "
officer cadets under contract
" in Coëtquidan.
"
The officers under contract have life courses which bring considerable wealth to the Army
", she underlined.