Archive · 25 Jul 2025
France No Longer Concerned with West Africa's Security, Minister Says
France, which used to help keep the peace in West Africa with its army, is now saying it won't do that anymore.
The French government has been taking its soldiers out of countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger because the new leaders there don't want them.
A minister said that while it's sad, France is looking for other ways to stay connected with these countries that don't involve the military.
This decision comes after years of fighting and unrest in the area, where many people have had to leave their homes and the economy has suffered.
France will only work with countries that want to continue their relationship.
France's state minister stated that West Africa's security is no longer France's concern.
This statement was made during a briefing in South Africa.
France has been dismantling its military presence in African ex-colonies since 2022.
Military coups have brought in leaders hostile to French presence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Insurgencies in the Sahel have displaced millions and caused economic collapse.
- Who
- France's state minister for ties with Francophone countries and international partnerships.
- What
- France stated that West Africa's security is no longer their concern.
- When
- The statement was made on Friday after France handed over its last major military base.
- Where
- South Africa, where the minister was attending a meeting on global development.
- Why
- Due to military coups in the region and changing relationships.
France's Stance
N/A
Security Responsibility
France's Stance
France is no longer responsible for security in West Africa.
N/A
N/A
- Minister
- Mohamed-Soilihi
- Location of briefing
- South Africa
- Meeting
- G20 top economies' week of discussions on global development
- Countries where France withdrew military
- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger
- Security cooperation ended with
- Chad