The Intelligence from The Economist Sahel of a mess: France’s impossible peacekeeping mission
Nov 12, 2020
Join Sophie Petter, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and Lucien Chauvin, a correspondent covering Peru, as they tackle pressing global issues. They discuss the escalating jihadism in the Sahel and the challenges faced by French troops on a complex peacekeeping mission. Petter shares gripping insights from Operation Barkhane, while Chauvin explores the political upheaval in Peru following President Vizcarra's impeachment amid a COVID-19 crisis. Together, they highlight the interconnectedness of these crises and the need for international support.
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French Military Operation in Sahel
- Sophie Petter traveled to a remote French military base in the Sahel.
- She witnessed the aftermath of a month-long operation against jihadists.
France's Significant Military Presence
- France has over 5,000 troops in the Sahel as part of Operation Barkhane.
- This is the largest contribution to the region, surpassing other nations and even the UN peacekeeping force.
Challenges of Containing Jihadists
- Jihadist groups are highly mobile and difficult to track.
- This makes it challenging for French forces to contain them, despite their efforts.