France’s Macron wants Africa’s approval on military presence
WATFORD, England (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants West African leaders to make it clear they want and need France’s military presence. He spoke after a helicopter collision killed 13 French soldiers fighting Islamic extremists in Mali last week.
Macron said Wednesday that France will organize a Dec. 16 summit with Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Mauritania. The countries contribute to a regional counterterror force.
“Do they want our presence, do they need us? I want clear answers on this,” Macron said, adding that such a statement is a condition for keeping French troops there.
Some in Mali have protested France’s military presence.