The withdrawal of French forces from Niger: a turning point in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel
For several years, France has played a major role in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, particularly in Niger. However, recently, President Emmanuel Macron announced the end of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel and called for a “profound transformation” of the French military presence in Africa.
The departure of French soldiers from Niger thus marks a change of era in France’s external military operations. Paris now favors partnerships in which French soldiers are no longer on the front line. This decision is the result of reflection on France’s role in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and on what it can really provide its partners in terms of training and support.
This redefinition of military cooperation in the Sahel is not without risks. Indeed, the withdrawal of French forces could weaken the military presence of other partners, notably the Americans, who also deploy troops in Niger. Recent attacks in the Tillabéri and Tahoua region raise concerns about increased insecurity in the short term, following the departure of French forces.
The question of preserving American strategic interests in the region also arises. Although they have welcomed the intervention and deployment of French forces since 2013, their priority remains their strategic positioning in the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin and Libya.
Consequently, the withdrawal of French forces from Niger is a strong signal of France’s desire to favor a more discreet role and to encourage greater responsibility from African countries in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. However, it remains to be seen how this new approach will manifest itself in practice and what consequences it will have for regional security in the long term.
In conclusion, the departure of French forces from Niger marks a turning point in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. France seeks to redefine its military cooperation by favoring partnerships and encouraging greater responsibility of African countries in regional security. However, there remains uncertainty as to the consequences of this withdrawal and the ability of the partners present to fill the void left by French soldiers. The situation in the Sahel region therefore remains very volatile and requires continued attention from the international community.