France announced on Monday, following the president’s decision months earlier, that its military presence in Mali had been fully ended. The exit marks the conclusion of the Barkhane operation after nearly a decade on Malian soil, with Emmanuel Macron underscoring a phase that redefines France’s security role in the Sahel and beyond.
At 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT), the final detachment of the Barkhane force stationed in Mali crossed the border into Niger. The unit had been part of the Gao operational platform before its transfer to the Malian armed forces. A statement from the General Staff confirmed that the last movement had occurred that morning and signaled the completion of the disengagement from Mali.
In a parallel note published by the French Presidency and issued on 17 February, officials indicated that the political and operational conditions were favorable for the adjustment. France, together with its African and European partners, decided to reorganize the military footprint in the region, choosing not to engage in further financing that would sustain a presence in Mali and instead to realign resources and responsibilities with local authorities and partner nations.
Military logistics challenge
Officials conveyed that France remains active in the Sahel, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Lake Chad basin with all partners dedicated to regional stability and the fight against terrorism. The broader strategy emphasizes cooperation with local governments, regional organizations, and international partners to maintain security gains while adapting to changing terrain and political dynamics.
The General Staff described the departure as a major military logistic challenge, achieved with careful planning, disciplined execution, and full transparency in coordination with partners. The operation emphasized safety, orderly conduct, and continued collaboration with regional authorities to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing counterterrorism efforts through other channels.
Officials highlighted that the Barkhane transformation goes beyond simply ending France’s direct presence in Mali. The armed forces of France intend to pursue counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel and adjacent regions, aligning with African and international partners and pursuing a shared objective of building stable security architectures that can endure without a continuous foreign military footprint.
Macron commended the military for meeting the announced timeline and stressed that the exit would not interrupt counterterrorism operations. He indicated that the broader security mission would continue to contribute to stability in neighboring regions, while also strengthening collaborative efforts across Eastern Europe where applicable to security partnerships.
Nine years of operation
The Barkhane mission, lasting almost a decade, has witnessed significant sacrifices, including the loss of dozens of French soldiers in the fight against Islamist militant groups. The campaign involved French forces working on the ground alongside African and European partners to disrupt militant networks, secure civilian life, and assist local authorities in governance and stabilization efforts across multiple countries in the Sahel region.
France stated that its commitment to the region remains firm, pledging ongoing support for political, civil, and military efforts undertaken by regional organizations and states. The aim is to sustain counterterrorism gains through coordinated actions with partners, ensuring a durable and comprehensive approach to security in the region as part of a broader European and international security framework, with consistent alignment to regional priorities and needs. The government reiterated its intent to act in concert with allies to advance stability, development, and resilience in West Africa and neighboring zones.