Macron announces the withdrawal of soldiers from Mali after nine years of fighting

President Emmanuel Macron said that France and its allies in an international force will withdraw their soldiers from Mali after almost a decade.

The military has been fighting in the country's struggle against Islamist extremists.

The troops will be re-deployed across the Sahel area of Africa.

Mr. Macron explained that his decision to depart was prompted by a breakdown in diplomatic ties, as well as escalating antagonism from Mali's new military regime.

He told a press conference in Paris on Thursday that "we cannot remain militarily committed" with Malian authorities with whom "we do not share the strategy and aims."

Mr. Macron denied that the departure was an admission of failure, insisting that France is committed to fighting Islamic insurgencies in the region, adding that Niger has volunteered to host some of the departing personnel.

"In this worldwide mobilization in support of the Sahel, France has played a uniting role," he added. "We shall maintain our function as a uniting force."

Following a meeting of EU and African leaders at the Elysee Palace, the decision was made.

Nations engaged in the French-led Tabuk Taskforce agreed to lay out strategies for remaining in the area, particularly Niger and the Gulf of Guinea countries, by June 2022, according to a statement issued Thursday morning.

"They also emphasized their intention to continue active in the region in close conjunction with neighboring states, by their constitutional procedures," the statement stated.

For several countries engaged in the operation, the decision will have significant security ramifications.

President Alassane Ouattara of the Ivory Coast has warned that the removal of the soldiers will leave a "void" that will raise the burden on regional administrations.

Mr. Ouattara stated, "We will be forced to boost our defense troops and improve the security of our borders."

Senegalese President Macky Sall, on the other hand, said he understood why France had opted to withdraw its soldiers from Mali and that the struggle against Islamist extremists in the Sahel will continue.