AMU Homeland Security

France Realigns its Counterterrorism Posture in Africa

William Tucker
Chief Correspondent for In Homeland Security

During a recent visit to the U.S., French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed the successes and set backs of the French led intervention in Mali. Dubbed Operation Serval, French forces backed by U.S. support and other regional militaries managed to eject al-Qaeda affiliated jihadists and Tuareg separatists that had seized much of northern Mali. In the months following that operation, France has sent forces into other African nations for routine training and assistance, however the recent intervention in Central African Republic has been the most notable. France is keenly aware that it will continue to have interests in Africa – specifically its former colonies – but Paris also understands that its force posture in Africa will need to be reorganized to better combat emerging threats. Le Drian specifically named the jihadist threat posed by regional actors that have spread across the Sahel and the Sahara wreaking havoc. Though some groups suffered damage during the Mali campaign they managed to escape and survive in areas of southern Libya and Algeria. France sees its current commitment as an opportunity to redeploy troops to Gao, Mali; Niamey, Niger; and Jamena, Chad; with a logistical base in at the port of Abidjan, Ivory Coast and special forces in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Reorganization is an important part of dealing with transnational and non-state threats, but they are difficult, long term undertakings and require some form of local support. France has done what it can to build some good will and the economic ties certainly don’t hurt, but the former colonies are not always welcoming of meddling from Paris. This will be a constant balancing act as France meets its security challenges in Africa.

William Tucker serves as a senior security representative to a major government contractor where he acts as the Counterintelligence Officer, advises on counterterrorism issues, and prepares personnel for overseas travel. His additional duties include advising his superiors in matters concerning emergency management and business continuity planning.

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