A new French strategy in Africa… after “Barkhane”

French President Emmanuel Macron announced, on Wednesday, that his country is developing a new defense strategy in Africa in the next stage, after the end of its anti-terror operation “Barkhane” in the Sahel.

During his presentation of the new French defense strategy, Macron said, “In the coming days, we will launch a phase of consultations with our African partners, allies and regional organizations in order to develop, together, the status, form and tasks of the current French military bases in the Sahel and West Africa… This strategy will be ready within six months.” …) This is fundamental and is one of the repercussions of what we have experienced in recent years in the entire Sahel region. He added, “Our military support will continue to African countries in the region, but according to the new bases that we have set with these countries… Our support will be adapted to the level of each country according to the needs that our partners will express.”

The French president addressed the function of his country’s nuclear weapons, and spread that umbrella over Europe. “France’s vital interests, today more than yesterday, have a European dimension,” he said. Therefore, our nuclear forces, by virtue of their presence, contribute to the security of France and Europe.” He pointed out that the French military doctrine is based on “the vital interests of the nation and is clearly defined, and will not be reconsidered in the event of a ballistic attack on Ukraine or in the region.”

France is the only nuclear country within the European Union after Brexit, and the third in NATO (along with the United States and Britain).

.