Mali: Colonel Assimi Goïta opens a new chapter following the withdrawal of French military forces
Since the fall of General Amadou Toumani Touré in 2012, the French military presence in Mali, which began with Operation Serval under François Hollande and continued with Barkhane under Emmanuel Macron, has had a profound impact on the country’s history. This passage, which should initially have secured Malian territory, has evolved into a complex and costly saga in Mali, calling into question the transparency of this foreign presence.
In March 2012, a military coup led by General Amadou Haya Sanogo shook Mali just a few months before the end of General Amadou Toumani Touré’s second term in office.
This tumultuous period opened the door to multidimensional crises and the emergence of terrorist, Islamist and rebel groups in the north of the country.
Faced with this rise in power, France was asked to lend its support, which it did by responding favourably.
Over time, however, France has displayed intentions that have sown doubts. Favouring the Tuaregs and the National Movement for the Liberation of AZAWAD (MNLA), it has restricted the mobility of the Malian army and influenced political and strategic decisions.
This partiality has given rise to tensions, leading to a period of mistrust between Mali and France.
The French presence, far from being gratuitous, has had a high financial cost for Mali.
Expenditure on French soldiers could have been allocated to development projects, strengthening the Malian Armed Forces and investing in essential infrastructure.
In addition, shared responsibility has put Mali in the awkward position of being responsible for the abuses committed by French troops.
The gradual withdrawal of Barkhane forces from Burkina Faso and Niger has been justified in France as an acknowledgement of the failure of Macronism and the absence of a coherent African policy.
The withdrawal was also marked by diplomatic tensions between Bamako and Paris, illustrated by the dismissal of the French ambassador and the withdrawal of the soldiers. Despite initial doubts, Mali is facing the diplomatic and political challenges with determination.
With the recapture of Kidal and the initiatives taken to resolve the crises, Mali is embarking on a new era.
France’s withdrawal offers an opportunity to rebuild, develop and promote the country by and for its citizens.
The road ahead remains arduous, but collective commitment and the will to succeed pave the way for a sovereign, secure and prosperous Mali.
May Mali and its people be blessed in this new phase of their history.
Baba MANE
