During a visit to Nairobi, President Macron addressed the deteriorating security situation in Mali, emphasizing that events have proven the junta’s decision to remove French troops was unwise. The French military, which had been deployed in Mali until 2022 as part of a counterterrorism mission, played a key role in combating jihadist groups in the region.

Unprecedented jihadist offensive threatens Bamako

Since late April, Mali has been facing a large-scale offensive by jihadist factions and predominantly Tuareg rebel movements. These coordinated attacks have significantly weakened the military junta, which came to power following coups in 2020 and 2021. Despite ongoing military operations, large parts of the country remain gripped by escalating insecurity.

Tensions between Paris and Sahel nations on the rise

The withdrawal of French forces from Mali marked a historic break between Paris and Bamako. This rift has since expanded to Burkina Faso and Niger, where military coups have also led to the expulsion of French soldiers. For years, France’s military presence in the Sahel has been a source of intense political and public controversy across the region.