France will withdraw its soldiers from Mali if Islamist extremism takes hold and political uncertainty spreads in the west African country, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
More than 5,000 French troops were deployed to the Sahel to fight terrorist groups, but a second coup in Mali in nine months jeopardised the operation.
Mali's new military leader Assimi Goita led the ousting of interim president Bah Ndaw and prime minister Moctar Ouane last week. Colonel Goita also overthrew Mali's elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August.
"Radical Islamism in Mali with our soldiers there? Never," Mr Macron told Le Journal du Dimanche. "There is this temptation today in Mali. But if it goes in that direction, I will withdraw."
He also threatened to pull French support from Mali if “there’s no longer democratic legitimacy or transition”.
The Economic Community of West African States stopped short of reimposing sanctions on Mali after an emergency meeting on Sunday, but suspended the country’s membership of the 15-nation bloc.
The group urged Col Goita to set up a new "inclusive government".
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A Eurocopter Tiger at the French Military base in Gao in November 2019. Thirteen soldiers were killed after two helicopters collided during an operation. AFP -
France has more than 4,500 troops in Africa's Sahel region. AP Photo -
The helicopter crash was the deadliest attack since the French intervention began in 2013. AFP -
In total, 38 French soldiers have been killed in the region. AFP -
A French soldier secure a perimeter during a break in the military convoy's trip between Gossi and Hombori in March. AFP -
French President Emmanuel Macron visits soldiers of Operation Barkhane in Gao in 2017. He expressed his 'deep sadness' at the news. AP -
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that terrorist groups have strengthened their foothold across the Sahel. Reuters -
A French gunner sits in a Puma helicopter flying near Tessalit in 2013. AFP -
French soldiers of France's Barkhane are pictured next to a Eurocopter Tiger helicopter during the 2017 visit of the French President in Gao. AFP -
France's Barkhane mission in central Mali in 2017. AFP
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said France had supported the Ecowas demand for a presidential election on February 27 this year, and reiterated his government’s "strong condemnation of the coup d'etat”.
About 5,100 French soldiers are stationed in Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger as part of its Operation Barkhane against terrorist groups, including those linked to ISIS and Al Qaeda.
