Macron declares ending Operation Barkhane in Sahel

(MENAFN - Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) PARIS, June 10 (KUNA) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the end of France's military mission in the Sahel region of West Africa.Speaking at a news conference, he pointed to a profound change in the military presence in the Sahel, calling for the formation of a new international force to replace Barkhane in that region.He regretted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recognized Colonel Asmi Guetta as interim president of Mali after he carried out a second coup.Paris has been deploying about 5,100 military personnel to combat terrorism in the Sahel. (end) mjz.mmj.hm MENAFN10062021000071011013ID1102247068