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Macron Says Part of the Sahel Would Not Exist Without France

"Without France's military operations in the Sahel there would probably no longer be a Mali ... Burkina Faso, and I'm not sure there would still be Niger", French President Emmanuel Macron told French publication Le Point. Macron was referring to the former colonial power's interventions in the mid-2000s, with Operation Serval and Operation Barkhane. French troops were moved from Mali to Niger after its military leaders cut ties with the former colonial power.

Jihadist insurgencies have plagued Africa's Sahel region for more than a decade, breaking out in northern Mali in 2012 before spreading to neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu says he is the one holding back ECOWAS and other unnamed forces from invading Niger to restore constitutional order in the country.

In the interview, Macron defended his administration's policy in the Sahel as one of partnership, rather than focusing on security.

Meanwhile, Niger junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has announced that his country will allow the military governments of Mali and Burkina Faso to send their soldiers into Niger to defend against an attack.

InFocus

RFI/Olivier Fourt

French forces in the Sahel (file photo).

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