France’s counter-terrorist Operation Barkhane  in the Sahel region of Africa ( Credit: http://foreignlegion.info)

By Gary  Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

A month after announcing France will pull soldiers out of its military counter-terror operation in Mali, French President Macron has apparently changed his mind. France said on Friday it will now be resuming joint military operations with Mali.  France has  some 5,100 troops in the Sahel  on the front lines of  counter-terror operations during the past eight years. 

“Following consultations with the Malian transitional authorities and the countries of the region, France takes note of the commitments of the Malian transitional authorities, endorsed by ECOWAS at the June 19 summit.  Under these conditions, in conjunction with all the countries involved in Operation Barkhane, in particular in the Takuba force, France decided to resume joint military operations as well as national advisory missions, which had been suspended since June 3. latest. These two pillars are essential for the empowerment of the Malian armed forces and will continue to be strengthened.”

 -the French armed forces minister said in a statement 

France cited the on-going terror threat in the African Sahel as reason for resumption of operations.

“Terrorist groups have for objectives the establishment, throughout West Africa, of radical Islamism as well as the regression of freedoms and human rights. France remains fully engaged, with its European and American allies, alongside the Sahelian countries and international missions, to oppose it.”   -French armed forces minister

It is beyond comprehension how President Macron could have even thought of abandoning Mali and the Sahel, leaving the region at the mercy of violent extremists. Some speculated the Macron was “bluffing” all along and  not serious about pulling French  troops out of the Sahel.  If France walks away from the Sahel, the entire region could come under the influence of Islamist militants. 

12 German soldiers Wounded in Terror Attack in Mali

United Nations Police (UNPOL) Officers from Benin serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and Malian National Guard Officer conduct daily joint patrols in the streets of Gao, to ensure general security, maintain order and offer protection of civilians. They are escorted by Formed Police Unit (FPU) from the Burkina Faso Contingent. Photo MINUSMA/Marco Dormino

At least 12 German soldiers were among UN peacekeepers injured in a vehicle bomb attack on a camp in northern Mali on June 27,  the UN said.  The incident followed an attack with another improvised explosive device on another UN patrol in the same area, which did not result in casualties.  All of the wounded soldiers were flown by helicopter to Gao, where they were being treated at German, French and Chinese medical facilities, according to German Defense Minister Annegret  Kramp-Karrenbaue.  Three of the soldiers were severely wounded.

7 Malian Soldiers Killed in Terror Attack in East Central MALI 

Les Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMa) sont responsables de la défense de l’intégrité territoriale et la souveraineté du Mali. 

At least 7 Malian soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack last month in the  east central region of the west African nation,  Mali’s military reported.