During his annual speech before the ambassadors on January 6, Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that the withdrawal of French troops from Senegal had been negotiated. An assertion immediately refuted by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. He described these words ” totally wrong “, Affirming that no preliminary discussion had taken place. “” This decision stems from our only will, as a free, independent and sovereign country “He said. Ousmane Sonko also denounced the words of Emmanuel Macron evoking an alleged ingratitude of certain African leaders, said Le Figaro. According to him, ” France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africa its security and its sovereignty ».
Before the hexagonal diplomats, Emmanuel Macron said that France had ” reason »To deploy his troops in Africa to fight against terrorist armed groups. However, African leaders have “Forgot to say thank you”also said the head of state. “None of them would be today with a sovereign country if the French army had not been deployed”he said. “It’s okay, it will come over time”quipped Emmanuel Macron, ensuring: “No, France is not behind in Africa, it is simply lucid, it is reorganized”.
Chad criticizes a “contemptuous” attitude towards Africans
In Chad, Emmanuel Macron’s words caused lively indignation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abderaman Koulamallah, castigated a ” contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans “, In a statement released on national television, according to RFI. He stressed that African soldiers played a decisive role in the liberation of France during the two world wars and deplored that their sacrifices were “minimized” without a ” Thanks worthy of the name Was not formulated.
The Chadian Minister has also criticized the French military presence in Chad in the past 60 years. According to him, ” The French contribution has often been limited to own strategic interests, without real lasting impact for the development of the Chadian people ». He concluded his intervention by calling Emmanuel Macron to focus on “The resolution of the problems that concern the French people».
The withdrawal of the French forces continues in Chad
The rupture of defense agreements between France and Chad, formalized in November, accelerates. Chadian Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh has confirmed that the withdrawal of French troops takes place as planned, with total evacuation by January 31. After the closure of several military bases, he recalled that this decision is part of the sovereign will of the Chadian people, calling France to “Respect this policy».
