Macron criticizes Mali junta’s decision to expel french troops amid jihadist surge

During a visit to Nairobi, French President Emmanuel Macron strongly criticized the Malian junta’s decision to expel French troops, calling it a strategic misstep amid escalating jihadist violence in the region.

Why Macron believes the junta’s move was unwise

Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the current security crisis in Mali—marked by a surge in jihadist offensives—proves the junta’s decision to remove French military support was ill-timed. French forces had been assisting Mali against extremist groups until their withdrawal in 2022.

The French president stated that the situation on the ground now reflects the negative consequences of this decision, as instability continues to grip the nation.

Mali’s growing security challenges

Since late April, Mali has faced an unprecedented wave of attacks by jihadist factions and predominantly Tuareg rebel groups. These assaults have severely weakened the junta, which rose to power following coups in 2020 and 2021.

Despite ongoing military operations, large portions of the country remain mired in insecurity, with Bamako itself under increasing pressure from advancing militant forces.

Escalating tensions between France and Sahel nations

The expulsion of French troops from Mali marked a turning point in relations between Paris and Bamako. This rift later extended to Burkina Faso and Niger, where military coups also led to the departure of French forces.

Over the years, France’s military presence in the Sahel has become a contentious issue, sparking political and public backlash across the region.