Malians Divided Over France's Decision to Close Bases, Reduce Forces

GAO, MALI/WASHINGTON - France's recent decision to close some of its military bases and reduce the number of its troops in Mali has sparked mixed reaction from the local population.  

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country would start closing three military bases in northern Mali by the end of 2021.   "These closures will start in the second half of 2021 and be completed by early 2022," Macron said at a press conference following a summit with the leaders of the G5 Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger.  French forces have been deployed in Mali since 2013 as part of its effort in the fight against jihadist groups in the country's north. France's Operation Serval, later changed to Operation Barkhane, has since expanded to include other countries in the restive Sahel region.