Macron announces new African military strategy as Operation Balkans ends
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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that he will end his Balkan anti-jihadist mission in Africa after more than a decade and said he will develop a new strategy with his African partners.
In a keynote speech on military policy in the southern French city of Toulon on Wednesday, President Macron announced the decision to “officially end the Balkans operation today” in cooperation with French partners.
He said the move was “a result of what we’ve been through” in recent months and that a new strategy will be worked out within the next six months.
France also plans to revamp partnerships and operations in Africa where local governments are trying to aid containment muslim rebellion In the last decade in the Sahel region
“Over the next few months, we will have to work with our African partners to decide how to significantly change our methods and commitments,” the French leader said.
Fracture of Franco-Mali relations
French forces have faced mounting hostility from some who see them as an ineffective occupying force of former colonial powers, and Macron withdrew French troops from Mali this year. relationship deteriorated with the military ruler of the country.
About 3,000 French soldiers remain in Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger, but President Macron plans to end the war. 10 years of Operation Vulcane As part of a strategic overhaul.
However, he stressed that France’s military assistance to countries in the region “will continue, but will be based on new principles as we define them”.
Reconfiguring European Military Cooperation
President Macron also announced that the UK and France will hold a summit in the first quarter of 2023 with the aim of strengthening military and defense cooperation.
President Macron announced the summit, laying out France’s and Europe’s strategic defense priorities for the next few years. Especially in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and rising internationalization. China’s self-assertion.
“Our partnership with the UK also needs to be taken to another level,” he said, adding, “We will actively resume dialogue on operational, capability, nuclear and hybrid areas and renew our ambitions as friendly nations. I hope and allies.”
France is Reset in England Under new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, following years of strained relations under Boris Johnson and later Liz Truss.
Macron also stressed the need for deeper military cooperation with Germany, an “essential partner” for building Europe’s military autonomy.
(with AFP)
https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20221110-french-president-macron-unveils-new-africa-military-strategy-as-operation-barkhane-ends-sahel Macron announces new African military strategy as Operation Balkans ends
