French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed disappointment with Sahel leaders for not acknowledging France’s military efforts in combating Islamist extremism in the region. Speaking at the annual 2025 foreign policy conference on Monday, Macron reflected on France’s decade-long involvement in the Sahel, emphasizing the sacrifices made by French troops.

He remarked, “Since 2013, we have engaged in the fight against terrorism at the request of sovereign states. Unfortunately, gratitude seems to be lacking. While I understand ungratefulness as a common flaw, it’s disappointing to see African leaders avoid acknowledging the contributions of the French army.”

Macron highlighted the critical role France played in ensuring the sovereignty of many Sahel nations, asserting that some countries might not exist in their current form without French military intervention. He paid tribute to French soldiers who lost their lives during the mission, stressing their commitment to stability in the region.

The French president defended the decision to withdraw troops, attributing it to the rise of military coups in the region. “We acted at the request of legitimate governments. However, with coups replacing democratic regimes and shifting priorities away from fighting terrorism, our presence was no longer justified,” Macron explained.

Despite the criticisms, Macron maintained that France’s efforts were necessary and morally right, even if unappreciated by some leaders. He expressed hope that history would eventually recognize France’s contributions to the region’s security and stability.

© Akelicious