Paris: France And its European allies “can’t keep things going” in Mali when the country’s military junta expelled a contingent of Danish soldiers, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le drian Said Friday.
“Given this situation, given the breakdown of the political structure and the military structure (in Mali), we cannot live with things as they are,” Le Drian told RTL radio.
He complained of growing “obstacles” in the way of European, French and international forces deployed to fight a jihadist insurgency in the West African country that has spread through the Sahel.
But Le Drian wouldn’t say whether Paris Barkhane was considering withdrawing the mission altogether.
“This is not just a French decision, it is a collective decision, and we have started talks with our African and European partners on how we can adapt our deployment to the new situation,” he said.
Last year France announced a reduction of its forces in Mali, creating a joint European special forces group called Takuba.
But relations with the military government, which took power in 2020, are deteriorating.
Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has stationed in Mali, the US and others say, even as the junta sought to withdraw its elite troops from Denmark.
Despite the difficulties, “we must fight terrorism … it is spread throughout the region, it is present not only in Mali,” Le Drian said, adding that France “will work with everyone who is happy to fight with us.” “.
He also recalled that 53 French soldiers have been killed fighting in Mali since Paris first sent troops in 2013, and called the defense minister’s demand for “silence” a senior junta officer. Florence Parly “shameful”.
“Given this situation, given the breakdown of the political structure and the military structure (in Mali), we cannot live with things as they are,” Le Drian told RTL radio.
He complained of growing “obstacles” in the way of European, French and international forces deployed to fight a jihadist insurgency in the West African country that has spread through the Sahel.
But Le Drian wouldn’t say whether Paris Barkhane was considering withdrawing the mission altogether.
“This is not just a French decision, it is a collective decision, and we have started talks with our African and European partners on how we can adapt our deployment to the new situation,” he said.
Last year France announced a reduction of its forces in Mali, creating a joint European special forces group called Takuba.
But relations with the military government, which took power in 2020, are deteriorating.
Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has stationed in Mali, the US and others say, even as the junta sought to withdraw its elite troops from Denmark.
Despite the difficulties, “we must fight terrorism … it is spread throughout the region, it is present not only in Mali,” Le Drian said, adding that France “will work with everyone who is happy to fight with us.” “.
He also recalled that 53 French soldiers have been killed fighting in Mali since Paris first sent troops in 2013, and called the defense minister’s demand for “silence” a senior junta officer. Florence Parly “shameful”.
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