France's Military Withdrawal from Africa

France's recent withdrawal of military forces from several African countries marks a significant shift in its historical presence in the region. The exit follows years of counterterrorism operations, particularly in Mali, which have faced criticism for failing to curb the rising threats of jihadism. This sudden departure has led to a vacuum that military regimes in the Sahel region, like those in Mali and Burkina Faso, are eager to fill with alternative partnerships, such as with Russian mercenaries. While these regimes claim increased sovereignty and an aggressive military posture, escalating violence against civilians suggests that the problem of insecurity may be far from solved.