Macron to Reduce French Military Troops in Africa’s Sahel

French Barkhane force soldiers who wrapped up a four-month tour of duty in the Sahel board a US Air Force C130 transport plane, leave their base in Gao, Mali, on June 9, 2021. Jerome Delay/AP Photo

PARIS—French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the future reduction of France’s military presence fighting Islamic extremism in Africa’s Sahel region.

In a news conference, Macron spoke about the “profound transformation” of France’s military operation in Mali and neighboring countries—without giving a timeframe.