The withdrawal of French troops from Mali is “a waste and a humiliation which was orchestrated by the French leaders”, estimated Thursday, February 17 on franceinfo Adrien Quatennens, LFI deputy from the North, coordinator of La France insoumise. Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal of French forces from Mali, but Paris and its partners will remain engaged in the region by extending their support to neighboring countries in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa.
“Initially, France was summoned there for a detailed military operation, Operation Serval, then this operation became an expedition without political perspective, a kind of occupation without a precise goal.he continued. For years we have been asking the National Assembly for a real debate on this subject in order to be able to leave Mali. The balance sheet is 58 soldiers who lost their lives, a brotherly people who are left torn apart, a friendly country in ruins, 8 billion in expenses.
“Mali belongs to the Malians and the operation was very badly carried out.”
Adrien Quatennens, LFI deputy for the Northat franceinfo
It is important to rebuild “a real policy of agreement and defense with Africa”, said Adrien Quatennens. But immediately, we must “Have a serious parliamentary debate before deciding anything new. It is important to be in agreement with the people and the leaders on the spot and to ask the question whether our presence is desired.” After the announcements of redeployment of France in the Sahel, made by Emmanuel Macron, “we wonder about the effectiveness of these choices without any parliamentary debate.”
“We are missing 130” sponsorships, “the work continues, I call on the elected officials”said Adrien Quatennens, two months before the presidential election. “I remind elected officials that they did not ask for this power but that they must use it because democracy needs it. We would prefer other methods but elected officials must play this role. I remind you that ‘In no way does sponsoring a presidential candidate amount to political endorsement.’
Ségolène Royal declared that the useful vote was Jean-Luc Mélenchon. “I say thank you Ségolène Royal for having said clearly and directly what no one can perceive today in the landscape as it is present before our eyes. Everyone can clearly see that the entry ticket to the second round is much cheaper than in 2017. It is between 15% and 16% and Jean-Luc Mélenchon is between 10 and 13% in the latest polls.”