French President ,Emmanuel Macron has criticized certain African leaders for their perceived ingratitude regarding France's efforts to prevent militant takeovers in their nations.
Speaking to French diplomats on January 6, he emphasized the dual nature of the security relationship established since 2013, asserting that some leaders have failed to express gratitude for France's military support.
Macron remarked that "ungratefulness " is a persistent issue among these leaders, who he believes lack the courage to confront public opinion.
He underscored that without the French military's intervention, many of these countries would not enjoy their current sovereignty, expressing solidarity with the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in these efforts.
He noted that France's involvement was at the request of sovereign states and that the withdrawal followed a shift in focus away from combating terrorism due to political upheavals.
This statement comes in the wake of several countries in the region, including Niger, "expelling French troops following military coups.