French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed frustration with certain African leaders, accusing them of being “ungrateful” for France’s efforts to prevent their nations from falling under militant control.
Speaking to French diplomats on Monday, January 6, Macron remarked:
“We had a relationship based on security, a dual engagement against terrorism since 2013. We were right. Yet, I think someone forgot to say thank you. It’s okay; gratitude may come with time.”
He continued, “Ungratefulness is a condition I know well—it doesn’t infect people, but I say this for all African heads of state who lacked the courage to stand firm against public opinion.”
Macron emphasized the sacrifices made by French troops, stating, “None of these nations would remain sovereign today without the deployment of the French army. My heart goes out to our soldiers, some of whom gave their lives and fought for years.”
France’s withdrawal from the region followed a series of coups in countries where its military had been stationed at the request of sovereign governments. Macron explained, “We acted correctly. We left because there were coups. From the moment these governments shifted their focus away from combating terrorism, France no longer had a place there.”
The comments come after France was asked to withdraw its military from several African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Ivory Coast, and Benin.
In December 2023, Niger expelled French troops following a military takeover in the country.
