France to boost military troops in Africa’s Sahel to counter terrorism
5201 Min Read
France announced it was bolstering its military presence in Africa’s Sahel region to counter jihadi violence.
French Defence Minister Florence Parly said in a statement that the majority of the reinforcements would be sent by the end of February to the border zone connecting Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The French government is planning to deploy a further 600 troops in addition to its already 4,500-strong operation in five countries across the Sahel region. The Defence Ministry said that boosting its military presence showed France’s commitment to the anti-terrorist mission. The ministry also emphasized that Paris’ allies were mobilizing their own troops.
France said the move to bolster its military was in response to an upsurge in violence in the Sahel region that has led locals to feel increasingly insecure.
Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron announced 220 new troops for the region at a G5 Sahel summit, where he met up with leaders from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
Paris will also send around 100 armoured vehicles to the Sahel, French news agency AFP reported, citing a military source.
Chad is planning to deploy an additional battalion to the Sahel region, while the Czech Republic is requesting its parliament’s approval for 60 soldiers to be sent to the territory.
