![French troops fighting in Mali](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/160BA/production/_123289209_gettyimages-1154974187.jpg)
France and its allies in a European force will withdraw their troops from Mali after almost a decade, President Emmanuel Macron has announced.
The troops have been involved in the fight against Islamist militants in the country since 2013.
Mr Macron said the decision to leave followed a breakdown in diplomatic relations, amid growing hostility from Mali’s governing military junta.
The forces will be re-deployed elsewhere in Africa’s Sahel region.
“We cannot remain militarily engaged alongside de-facto authorities whose strategy and hidden aims we do not share,” Mr Macron told a news conference in Paris on Thursday.
He denied that the mission had been a failure and insisted that France remained committed to combating Islamist insurgencies in the region. He added that Niger had agreed to host some of the withdrawing forces.
“France has played a unifying role in this international mobilisation in favour of the Sahel,” he said. “We will continue to ensure this unifying role.”
The planned withdrawal, which is expected to happen over a four- to six-month period, was announced following meeting of European and African leaders at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday night.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, countries involved in the French-led Takuba Task Force said they had agreed to set out plans on how to remain actively involved in the region, most notably in Niger and the Gulf of Guinea countries, by June.
Colonel Souleymane Dembélé, a spokesman for the ruling junta, shrugged off France’s announcement, telling reporters that while European forces were in the country “terrorism engulfed the entire Malian territory”.
Almost 5,000 French troops are deployed in the Sahel region to combat Islamist insurgencies as part of Operation Barkhane, with around 2,400 of those located at three bases in northern Mali.
![Map](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/1515F/production/_118776368_sahel_region_640x2-nc.png)
But relations between France and Mali, which is one of the world’s poorest nations, have deteriorated since the army first seized power in a coup in August 2020.
And tensions increased further last month when the junta reneged on an agreement to arrange elections in February and vowed to hold power until 2025, ultimately leading to the expulsion of the French ambassador.
In December, more than a dozen Western nations also condemned the deployment of mercenaries from the Russia-based Wagner group to Mali.
The group has been involved in several major conflicts, including in Syria, Mozambique, Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR). A BBC investigation found links to war crimes in Libya.
Mr Macron warned on Thursday that the group had “essentially come to secure their economic interests and the junta itself”.
![A French soldier plays football with a Malian child](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/490A/production/_123289681_gettyimages-1237134091.jpg)
News of the French withdrawal was met with mixed reactions in Mali.
One man told the BBC that it would “bring peace in the north of our country because Russia and Wagner will certainly support our army”, while another described the French intervention in Mali as “a failure”.
However, others expressed fear that the situation was “worsening”.
“Just yesterday, there was an attack in the northern part of Mali… Our soldiers are in the central part. They are saying that the army is gaining ground. But only in the centre of the country. What about other regions?” one concerned local told the BBC.
![2px presentational grey line](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/1226D/production/_105894347_grey_line-nc.png)
Mali’s security future uncertain as Western forces withdraw
By Beverly Ochieng, BBC Monitoring in Nairobi
The withdrawal of French and Western forces from Mali escalates concerns that a security vacuum in the country could further destabilise the region.
The retreat follows a breakdown in diplomatic relations and tense exchanges as public patience wanes after nearly a decade of counterinsurgency operations against al-Qaeda and Islamic State group militants.
Mali’s controversial deployment of Russian mercenaries has worsened relations and fails to guarantee that the looming security gap – amid rising militant attacks – will be filled.
The planned co-ordinated withdrawal by France and the West may seek to prevent the kind of chaotic retreat seen in Afghanistan.
Incidentally, the withdrawal of Western forces – a long-standing demand by Mali’s al-Qaeda militants – could create room for negotiations out of the insurgency.
However, Mali’s uncertain security future is worsened by political and economic isolation after international sanctions.
![2px presentational grey line](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/1226D/production/_105894347_grey_line-nc.png)
The withdrawal will have security implications for other countries in the Sahel region, who have been grappling with their own Islamist insurgencies.
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara warned that the move created “a vacuum” that would increase the burden on regional governments.
“We will be obliged to increase our defence forces and increase the protection of our borders,” Mr Ouattara said.
But Senegalese President Macky Sall said that he understood why France had decided to pull its troops out of Mali, and that he was assured the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel would continue.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said it was important that a United Nations peacekeeping force remained active in Mali despite the French departure.
A UN spokesperson said there was “bound to be an impact” on its operations.
Doubt has also been cast over the future of an EU military training mission in Mali, after Germany’s Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht told reporters she was “very sceptical” that Berlin would remain committed to the mission.
“We have taken note of the French decision to leave Mali and end its mission there, which will of course have repercussions for its partners,” she said.
Hello to every one, the contents existing at this website are really remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really recognise what you are
talking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my site =).
We will have a link change arrangement between us
I like the helpful information you supply to your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at again here regularly.
I am quite certain I’ll be told many new stuff proper right here!
Good luck for the next!
It’s impressive that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as
well as from our argument made here.
I am really impressed together with your writing skills as smartly as with the layout to your weblog.
Is that this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self?
Anyway stay up the nice high quality writing, it is rare
to peer a nice weblog like this one these days..
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate
link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Hello to every one, the contents present at this web site are actually remarkable for people experience,
well, keep up the nice work fellows.
Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Carry on the great work!
Hey this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG
editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but
have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
If you wish for to grow your familiarity just keep visiting
this website and be updated with the most up-to-date gossip posted here.
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against
hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything
I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
Howdy are using WordPress for your blog platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up
my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your
own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your
website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge
you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, fantastic blog!
혹시 먹튀사이트이라고 아시나요? 아마 저를 따라오시면 정확히 알수있을거에요!
댓글 남깁니다 감사해요~
Средства зачисляются на счет непосредственно в день
рождения и за 7 дней до/после указанной даты.
I read this paragraph fully on the topic of the comparison of hottest
and earlier technologies, it’s remarkable article.
Но конечно нужно, чтоб не паленый был какой-то а
официальный, нормальный.
Здесь вы найдете десятки мега популярных слотов
и бесчисленным множеством других, менее знакомых игр.
Бездепозитные бонусы в Вавада за регистрацию в казино выдаются всем новым пользователям.
Количество призовых мест ограничено и
определяется правилами конкретного конкурса.
Для решения любой проблемы на сайте работает служба технической поддержки, которая круглосуточно поможет решить любой
вопрос касательно игрового процесса.
Она скачивается совершенно бесплатно с
официального сайта или интернет-зеркала, устанавливается, как обычное приложение и запускается с рабочего стола устройства.
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a
team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
It’s in reality a nice and useful piece of info. I’m satisfied
that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please
keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Christmas jazz music
Remarkable! Its really awesome piece of writing, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this
post.
Really when someone doesn’t be aware of afterward its up to other users that they will help, so here it happens.
When I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and
from now on whenever a comment is added I
get four emails with the same comment. Is there an easy
method you can remove me from that service? Kudos!
Hello! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring
a blog post or vice-versa? My site covers a
lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit
from each other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the
way!
Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply placing the other person’s weblog link
on your page at proper place and other person will
also do similar for you.
It’s an awesome post in support of all the web people; they will take benefit from it I am sure.
Wow! At last I got a webpage from where I be able to actually get valuable
information regarding my study and knowledge.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before ending
I am reading this great paragraph to increase my experience.
Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your blog on my
iphone during lunch break. I love the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look
when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, fantastic
site!
At this time it looks like Drupal is the top blogging platform
out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what
you are using on your blog?
Hi there, I wish for to subscribe for this blog to get
hottest updates, therefore where can i do it please help
out.
You should be a part of a contest for one of the
best sites online. I most certainly will highly recommend this site!
My family every time say that I am killing my time
here at net, however I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading
thes good articles or reviews.
Great post.
Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a
sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to
her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this
is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the fantastic work!
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your website is very useful.
Many thanks for sharing!
I am sure this article has touched all the internet viewers, its really really pleasant post on building up new webpage.
It’s going to be end of mine day, except before
ending I am reading this wonderful paragraph to improve my knowledge.
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this publish is written through him as no one else know such specific approximately my difficulty.
You are incredible! Thanks!
This information is priceless. When can I find out more?
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would
really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other
sites? I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would
really like to have you share some stories/information.
I know my subscribers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel
free to shoot me an email.
You actually make it seem so easy along with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be really one thing that I feel I
would never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very large for me.
I’m having a look forward for your subsequent put
up, I will try to get the dangle of it!
Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out.
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive
a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely
helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid different users
like its aided me. Good job.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll definitely digg
it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am confident they will be benefited from this web
site.
Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve take into accout your stuff previous
to and you’re just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve bought right here, really like what
you are saying and the way in which during which you
are saying it. You’re making it entertaining and you still take care of
to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you.
This is actually a terrific site.
I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever
work and coverage! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve
incorporated you guys to my personal blogroll.
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet viewers, its really really good
post on building up new website.
I got this website from my buddy who informed me concerning
this site and at the moment this time I am browsing this website and reading very informative content at
this time.
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
I got this site from my friend who informed me on the topic of this site
and now this time I am browsing this website and
reading very informative articles at this place.
Your style is so unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from.
Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
I’ll just book mark this site.
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. That is an extremely neatly written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to
learn extra of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here
regularly. I am quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
If some one wishes to be updated with hottest technologies then he must be pay
a visit this site and be up to date every day.
I always spent my half an hour to read this
weblog’s content all the time along with
a cup of coffee.
I love what you guys are up too. Such clever work
and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve
incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could
i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear
idea
I do not even know the way I ended up here, but I believed this submit
was great. I do not understand who you’re however definitely you
are going to a well-known blogger when you aren’t already.
Cheers!
I will right away snatch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me recognize so that I may subscribe.
Thanks.
Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue about this piece of writing here at this blog, I have read
all that, so now me also commenting here.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you
writing this write-up and also the rest of the website is extremely good.
Fastidious replies in return of this query with solid arguments and telling the whole
thing on the topic of that.
I seriously love your website.. Great colors & theme.
Did you make this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own personal site and would like to find out where you
got this from or exactly what the theme is called.
Appreciate it!
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again right
here regularly. I am somewhat sure I will be told many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for
a blog web site? The account helped me a appropriate deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered
vibrant clear concept
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger,
and I was wondering your situation; many of us have developed
some nice procedures and we are looking to swap methods
with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
my blog; jeux casino en ligne, https://wiki.renew-platforms.dk,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts
and I will be waiting for your next write ups
thank you once again.
my webpage … casino en ligne fiable (https://www.8n8n.co.jp/home.php?mod=space&uid=11359729&do=profile)
Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam
remarks? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is
very much appreciated.
Also visit my blog post casino en ligne france – https://wiki.rolandradio.net/index.php?title=Meilleur_Casino_En_Ligne –
Howdy! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the great work!
my webpage … casino en ligne (https://jisuzm.tv/home.php?mod=space&uid=759883&do=profile&from=space)
You actually make it appear so easy with your presentation however I
to find this matter to be actually something which I feel I’d by
no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me.
I am taking a look ahead in your next publish, I’ll attempt
to get the cling of it!
Feel free to visit my website … casino en ligne (https://zaxx.co.jp/)
Hi every one, here every person is sharing such
experience, thus it’s pleasant to read this webpage, and I used to
pay a visit this webpage daily.
Here is my blog post … casino en ligne francais (https://www.pakkretcity.go.th/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=45321)
Hi there this is somewhat of off topic but I was
wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors
or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have
no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Here is my web site casino en ligne (Erik)
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot
of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like
a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission.
Do you know any solutions to help stop content from
being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.
Here is my web blog :: meilleur casino en ligne – classicalmusicmp3freedownload.com,
hey there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here.
I did however expertise a few technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of
times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if
your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your quality
score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my
email and could look out for a lot more of your respective exciting
content. Make sure you update this again very soon.
Here is my web page; casino en Ligne francais (asteroidsathome.net)
Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply placing
the other person’s webpage link on your page at suitable place
and other person will also do similar in favor of you.
Here is my blog casino en ligne (https://katazaraki.com/)
Hello there! This post could not be written much better! Looking through
this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
He continually kept preaching about this.
I’ll forward this article to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read.
Thank you for sharing!
Feel free to surf to my web site – casino en ligne francais; Dolly,
Highly energetic blog, I loved that bit. Will
there be a part 2?
Here is my page; casino en ligne fiable (kerclub.com)
Heya this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know
if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so
I wanted to get guidance from someone with
experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Feel free to visit my blog post: casino en ligne francais (yoondaegam.com)
Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you
provide. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same
old rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Also visit my homepage :: casino en ligne francais
(Antoine)
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you present.
It’s awesome to come across a blog every once
in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material.
Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my
Google account.
Feel free to visit my web-site … casino en ligne
francais (sandangels.us)
Hi there to all, because I am actually keen of reading this web site’s post to be updated daily.
It contains nice stuff.
My webpage – casino en ligne fiable (http://www.sfxman.com)
I all the time emailed this weblog post page to all my contacts, since if like to read it afterward my contacts
will too.
Check out my web page; jeux casino en ligne – Jeanna,
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this web site is genuinely nice.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out
right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you
wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come
further formerly again since exactly the same
nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based on the same ideas you
discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I
know my audience would value your work. If you’re even remotely
interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
Remarkable! Its in fact awesome post, I have got much clear idea about from this paragraph.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this brilliant blog!
I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to brand new updates and will share this site
with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
I’m very happy to uncover this page. I want to to thank
you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!!
I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you book marked to look at new stuff
on your site.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to
this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to fresh updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
My brother recommended I might like this website.
He was totally right. This post actually made my day.
You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
Fastidious respond in return of this query with real arguments
and explaining everything on the topic of that.
Hello there, I found your blog by way of Google while looking for a
comparable topic, your website came up, it looks great.
I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply become alert to your weblog through Google, and located that it’s truly
informative. I am going to be careful for brussels.
I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous other folks
shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
Excellent pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog.
Im really impressed by it.
Hi there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll definitely digg it and for my part suggest to
my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this web site.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought
this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a
famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!