Macron slams Mali junta’s decision to expel French forces amid rising jihadist threat
French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticised the Malian junta for its decision to force the withdrawal of French troops, calling it a strategic misstep amid escalating security challenges in the country.
Security crisis deepens in Mali following jihadist surge
During a visit to Nairobi, President Macron addressed the deteriorating security situation in Mali, highlighting that the junta’s move to oust French military forces—present until 2022 as part of counter-terrorism efforts—has left the country vulnerable. The president emphasised that recent events prove the decision was “not the wisest choice” in the face of growing instability.
Unprecedented offensive threatens Bamako’s stability
Since late April, Mali has faced a coordinated offensive by jihadist groups and predominantly Tuareg rebel factions. These attacks have severely weakened the junta, which seized power in 2020 and 2021. Despite ongoing military operations, multiple regions remain under heightened threat, with Bamako itself under growing pressure.
France-Mali relations strained as Sahel tensions rise
The expulsion of French troops marked a decisive break in relations between Paris and Bamako. This rift has since spread to Burkina Faso and Niger, where coups have also led to the departure of French soldiers. Over the years, France’s military presence in the Sahel has become a polarising issue, sparking political and public discontent across the region.
What’s next for Mali?
As the junta struggles to regain control, the broader implications of France’s withdrawal—and the junta’s contested legitimacy—continue to unfold. With jihadist groups exploiting the power vacuum, the future of Mali’s security remains uncertain.
