President Emmanuel Macron says France will withdraw its troops from Mali after nine years but maintain a military presence in neighboring West African nations. Announcing the move on Thursday, Macron
France will withdraw its troops from Mali nine years after it first intervened to drive Islamic extremists from power but intends to maintain a military presence in neighboring West African nations, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday.
France has about 4,300 troops in the Sahel region, including 2,400 in Mali. The so-called Barkhane force is also involved in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
PARIS (AP) France will withdraw its troops from Mali nine years after it first intervened to drive Islamic extremists from power but intends to maintain a military presence in neighboring West African nations, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday.