Mike Pompeo in Senegal: the American military presence remains on hold
Text by: RFI Follow
Five economic memoranda of understanding were signed during the Secretary of State's visit to Dakar. The Americans will build the highway that will link the Senegalese capital to Saint-Louis. Security was also discussed, at a time when the United States is talking about, without confirming, a gradual reduction in its military presence in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Read moreWith our correspondent in Dakar, William de Lesseux
Alongside Mike Pompeo, his counterpart the Senegalese minister Amadou Ba already seems to have mourned the operational military presence of America in sub-Saharan Africa.
" The United States has indeed communicated to us its desire to withdraw the fighting forces, but that does not mean for us the withdrawal of the American forces," says Amadou Ba. We talked about the need to be present in the area. We want the Americans to be present in the area. We hope that the Americans will continue to help us in the area of security, in the area of training, in the area of education. "
"A result that works for everyone"
Mike Pompeo then wanted to be reassuring. Yes, the Pentagon is well examining the possibilities of a reduction in the military engagement of the United States. But the secretary of state did not wish to make an announcement.
" I am convinced that when we finish this review, we will discuss it not only with Senegal, but with all the countries in the region," said Mike Pompeo. We will discuss the reasons for what we do, the way we do it, and we will achieve a result that works for everyone. "
We have had many discussions about regional security, about the role of the Americans. We will do the right thing. We will do the right thing together, I am convinced of that. I have no announcements to make, but Senegal must know that, collectively, the Senegalese, the forces of the region, the European partners, the French and us Americans, we have the duty to restore security in the region. This is why we allow the economic development of countries and I am determined to continue this. I am confident that when we finish this review, we will discuss it, not only with Senegal, but all the countries in the region, we will discuss the reasons for what we do, the way we do it, and we will get there to a result that works for everyone.
Mike Pompeo
Mike Pompeo who stressed that the terrorist threat in the Sahel also concerns the United States. Discussions are also underway with Senegal with a view to further training the armed forces.
The American diplomat left Senegal in the evening this Sunday, February 16. He joined Angola for the rest of his African tour. An equally economical tour.
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