President Macron faults Sahel states for neglecting crediting French security

Emmanuel Macron, the President of French has faulted the Sahel states of Africa for neglecting to credit France's efforts in safeguarding their nations from militant takeover. In discussing France’s security agenda in its former colonies, Macron remarked that French soldiers were stationed in West African countries following invitations from their governments.

In a BBC-shared video on Monday, Macron expressed sorrow over the commencement of French troop withdrawals from Ivory Coast in January. This step comes on the heels of earlier departures from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, reflecting France's diminishing military role in the area.

Requests for the removal of French troops came previously from multiple Sahel nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Benin. Addressing this, Macron noted:

"Our connection was based on security. It was dual in nature: our commitment to fighting terrorism since 2013 and ensuring the sovereignty of these nations. Our intervention was the right course of action. I believe some have forgotten to offer gratitude. That’s fine; appreciation often takes time. Ingratitude isn’t an infectious condition, but it’s clear that some African leaders have lacked the fortitude to speak about it openly. Without the French military, many of these nations would no longer be sovereign today."

He also recognized the courage of French soldiers, some of whom gave their lives in these endeavors. Reflecting on the pullout decision, he commented:

"My deepest condolences go to our soldiers who fought and lost their lives for years in pursuit of justice. We left due to coups d'état. We were there at the request of independent nations, but when coups occurred and the focus shifted from counterterrorism, it became clear that France had no place in those events. France does not act at the whim of coup leaders, so we chose to withdraw."