France has had continuing military presence in Africa as a remnant of its colonial rule. This colonial presence is especially felt in its former colonies. France is reconsidering some aspects of its military presence in Africa.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will reconsider the conditions of its military operation in West and Central Africa. This is after a helicopter collision killed 13 soldiers fighting Islamic State group-linked extremists. The crash led to France's highest military death toll in nearly four decades.
Macron told reporters on Thursday that "our mission there is important, yet what we are now living in the Sahel leads us to look into all strategic options." However, the issue is yet to be discussed and formalised. Macron said the French government and armed forces will work on the issue in the coming weeks.
However, Macron still defends France's military presence in Africa. This week, the French president indicated that France's largest overseas military mission which has 4,500 troops is aimed at enhancing France's own security and providing support to African countries.
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