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French President Emmanuel Macron's envoy to Africa, Jean-Marie Bokel, recently professed confidence about the continuation of military cooperation, only to find multiple African nations subsequently indicating their desire for French troops to exit. This remarkable turnaround raises eyebrows, suggesting a grass-roots attitude against colonial remnants, particularly in light of the recent surge in Russian influence spearheaded by private military contractors.
The withdrawal signifies not just the loss of military bases but also reflects a declining perception of France as a reliable security partner in West Africa, once a linchpin for combating jihadist insurgencies that have plagued the region.