French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized African leaders for what he termed as their “ungratefulness” towards France’s efforts in the region.
Speaking on recent developments in Africa, Macron expressed disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment for France’s military involvement.
“We had a relationship based on security; it was, in fact, two-fold.
On one hand, it was our engagement against terrorism since 2013. We were right, but I think someone forgot to say thank you. It’s okay; it will come with time,” Macron remarked.
He added, “Ungratefulness, I know too well, is a disease that cannot be transmitted to men. But I say this for all African heads of state who have not shown courage in the face of public opinion.
None of them would be a sovereign country today if the French army hadn’t been deployed in the region.
My heart goes out to all of our soldiers, some of whom have given their lives and fought for years.”
Macron further defended France’s actions, stating, “We did the right thing.
We left because there were coup d’états. We were there at the request of sovereign states who asked France to intervene.
From the moment there were coup d’états and the people declared that their aims were no longer fighting terrorism, France no longer belonged there.”
It should be recalled that in December 2023, Niger Republic expelled French troops following a military takeover.
After President Macron’s strong condemnation of the coup and his vocal support for deposed President Mohamed Bazoum—who remains detained in his residence—Niger’s new military rulers demanded the withdrawal of French forces.
Tensions between the two nations escalated further in November 2024, when Niger’s authorities expelled a French aid organization, the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), from operating in the country.
Similar demands have been made by other African nations, including Chad, Senegal, and Mali, where French troops have also been asked to leave in recent times.
“We can’t rely on [the USA] or rest of the world.” Macron urges integration of European military efforts pic.twitter.com/jlAFON5sAt
— Mariska den Eelden 🇪🇺🇳🇱 (@eeldenden) January 6, 2025
