France's Military Withdrawal from Africa

France is concluding its counter-terrorism operations in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where it has maintained a military presence since the 1960s. The withdrawal is framed as a response to growing anti-French sentiment and the emergence of military governments that have sought to replace French forces with Russian mercenaries. As France exits these countries, there are concerns about the security vacuum created by this shift, especially given that jihadist violence continues to escalate in the region. The newly formed Alliance of Sahelian States aims to combat these threats independently, but the effectiveness of this coalition remains uncertain as it grapples with significant security challenges and rising violence against civilians.