Barkhane operation: difficult French mission in Mali?

Since its establishment in 2013,48 French soldiers lost their lives in the Barkhane operation. The three last victims are added after an explosion of device. The debate around the outcome of French military operations in northern Mali is then launched.

Vincent Hugeux remains skeptical about this war that the French Army is waging during seven years, in collaboration with other countries military troops against terrorist in the northern region of Mali. ‘‘We can’t win this battle’’, has commented the journalist and essayist, Africa specialist.

Read more: death of three french militaries

After the death of chief-sergeant Tanerii Mauri, of the first-class hunter Dorian Issakhanian and of the first-class hunter Quentin Pauchet of Thierville-sur-Meuse’s first regiment of hunters, could France think of a possible departure? Taking this decision would seem like giving power to the jihadists, even if the missions look impossible, analyses Vincent Hugeux. ‘‘it would be a kind of surrender in open country and propagandist and operational triumph for jihadists’’ has he explained adding that ”France is really in a strategy dilemma, that is it can neither live nor stay indefinitely’’.

During a G5 Sahel force summit in Pau in January, the French president Emmanuel Macron has considered all the options except the withdrawal of the French troops. For several months we have witnessed an intensification of military operations. France stays in Mali although 48 French soldiers have already lost their lives. France will not leave! For how many more deaths ?