During his annual speech to ambassadors on January 6, Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that the withdrawal of French troops from Senegal had been negotiated. An assertion immediately refuted by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. He described these remarks as “ totally wrong », affirming that no prior discussion had taken place. “ This decision arises from our sole will, as a free, independent and sovereign country “, he clarified. Ousmane Sonko also denounced Emmanuel Macron’s remarks evoking an alleged ingratitude of certain African leaders, indicates Le Figaro. According to him, “ France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa’s security and sovereignty ».
In front of French diplomats, Emmanuel Macron affirmed that France had “ raison » to deploy its troops in Africa to fight against armed terrorist groups. However, African leaders have “forgot to say thank you”also declared the head of state. “None of them would be with a sovereign country today if the French army had not been deployed”he asserted. “It doesn’t matter, it will come with time”quipped Emmanuel Macron, assuring: “No, France is not in decline in Africa, it is simply lucid, it is reorganizing itself.”
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Chad criticizes “contemptuous” attitude towards Africans
In Chad, Emmanuel Macron’s comments caused strong indignation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abderaman Koulamallah, castigated a “ contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans », in a press release broadcast on national television, according to RFI. He stressed that African soldiers played a decisive role in the liberation of France during the two world wars and deplored that their sacrifices had been “minimized” without a “ thanks worthy of the name » has not been formulated.
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The Chadian minister also criticized the French military presence in Chad over the past 60 years. According to him, “ the French contribution has often been limited to its own strategic interests, without any real lasting impact on the development of the Chadian people. “. He concluded his speech by calling on Emmanuel Macron to focus on “resolving the problems that concern the French people».
The withdrawal of French forces continues in Chad
The breakdown of defense agreements between France and Chad, made official in November, is accelerating. Chadian Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh confirmed that the withdrawal of French troops is proceeding as planned, with a total evacuation by January 31. After the closure of several military bases, he recalled that this decision is part of the sovereign will of the Chadian people, calling on France to “comply with this policy».
