Macron plans 'noticeable reduction' of French military in Africa

President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday a "noticeable reduction" of France's troop presence in Africa following a withdrawal from Mali and Burkina Faso after years fighting jihadists there. 

French Barkhane force soldiers who wrapped up a four-month tour of duty in the Sahel leave their base on a US Air Force C130 transport plane in Gao, Mali, June 9, 2021. French President Emmanuel Macron announced at a press conference Thursday Feb. 17, 2022 that he is withdrawing French troops from Mali. On 27 February 2023, Macron said he wants a "noticeable reduction" of French troops in Africa. AP - Jerome Delay

"The change will happen in the coming months with a noticeable reduction of our numbers and a greater presence in these bases of our African partners," Macron said ahead of a four-nation African tour.

This "reorganisation... does not intend to be a withdrawal", he said.

"We will remain but with a reduced footprint... We will do more training, more equipping and better accompanying" of local troops according to their needs, he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he gives a speech to ouline France's revamped strategy for Africa ahead of his visit in Central Africa, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on February 27, 2023. - Macron's speech comes two days ahead of a four-nation tour of central African countries, as Paris seeks to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region. Macron is to visit Gabon for an environmental summit, followed by Angola, then the Republic of Congo, or Congo-Brazzaville, and finally the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. AFP - STEFANO RELLANDINI

Some bases would become training academies, while others would become "partner" bases, he added.

Macron said they would adapt with less French military personnel on the ground, and an "Africanisation" of their staff.

They would see a "rise in the presence of their African partners according to goals defined" by these partners, he added.

Anti-French sentiment is running high in former French colonies Mali and Burkina Faso after military coups there that led to fallouts with Paris and the pullout of French troops from both countries.

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Macron heads off on a four-nation tour of central African countries from Wednesday as Paris seeks to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.

He will visit Gabon for an environmental summit, followed by Angola, then the Republic of Congo, or Congo-Brazzaville, and finally the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

(Newswires)