Macron says France will close its regular military bases in Africa
He said France will instead set up bases or "academies" to be co-run by French and African armies. He said there would be a notable fall in French military personnel but an increase in an effort to provide training and equipment.
- World
- Reuters
- Published Date: 07:57 | 27 February 2023
- Modified Date: 08:35 | 27 February 2023
President Emmanuel Macron said France will end its practice of hosting regular military bases in Africa, during a speech ahead of a tour of African countries starting on Wednesday.
He said France will instead set up bases or "academies" to be co-run by French and African armies. He said there would be a notable fall in French military personnel but an increase in an effort to provide training and equipment.
Macron added that he will not allow France to become "the ideal scapegoat" in Africa, in a speech ahead of a trip to the continent from Wednesday.
Some African countries have criticised France for failing to curb militancy in the Sahel region in particular.
Macron also said he refused to be drawn into an outdated competition between powers for control of Africa.
He will travel to Gabon, Angola, République of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo.
- US OKs potential sale of missiles, equipment to Australia -Pentagon
- Zelenskiy: Ukraine can only defend skies if partners lift 'aviation taboo'
- Italy PM calls for urgent EU action on migration in wake of deadly shipwreck
- US citizen killed in West Bank violence: State Department
- China has "very clearly" taken Russia's side in Ukraine war -US State Department