Macron: Sahel terrorist fight to continue in 2018

PARIS/NIAMEY - 23 December 2017: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Niger late Friday for a morale-boosting visit to France’s Barkhane anti-terrorist force and told troops the fight against extremists in the region would continue in 2018.

France has been leading regional counter terrorism efforts in West Africa’s Sahel region, but is keen to spread the burden as its military is engaged on various fronts.

Macron was welcomed by his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou.

The French leader then had a “Christmas dinner” with some members of the 4,000-strong Barkhane force.

“I am proud of you, France is proud of you … France mourns its dead, takes care of its injured (and) is proud of its children who are fighting to protect it,” he said. The meal was prepared by a chef from the Elysee.

Macron said the Barkhane mission would continue in 2018 with the “aim of winning clear and important victories against the enemy.”

“I trust you,” to carry out the mission in the Sahel, which “is a priority” because “this is where our security, the future of part of the African continent is played out,” he said.

“We must not leave the Sahel to terrorist organizations … (we must not) give up the slightest bit of territory to them,” said Macron, who was accompanied by Defense Minister Florence Parly.

Marcon was due to discuss the issue Saturday with President Issoufou.

He would also announce “concrete” development projects, especially for educating girls, according to the presidential palace.