Departure of Barkhane from Mali: "The end of major military operations over time"

Audio 08:21

Soldiers from the Barkhane force leave the Gao camp in Mali in June 2021. © AP/Jerome Delay

By: Christophe Boisbouvier Follow

Is Barkhane's withdrawal from Mali a replica of the Americans' departure from Afghanistan?

And 62 years after independence, does this withdrawal mark the end of the French military presence in Africa?

For the French deputy Thomas Gassilloud, who is a macronist and who belongs to the Defense Commission of the National Assembly, this withdrawal undoubtedly marks " 

the end of major operations over time

 ", but not the departure of French soldiers from the African continent, because “

there is a demand for France in West Africa

”.

  • France

  • mali

  • Defense