French troops: where they are and why it matters
Want a clear picture of French troops in Africa? You’re in the right place. This tag tracks deployments, big operations, political rows, and the human impact—so you can follow what France’s military presence means for security and local politics across the continent.
Where French troops operate
French forces have been most visible in the Sahel region—Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger were central to long-running counterterrorism missions. After Operation Serval in 2013 stopped a major push by Islamist fighters in northern Mali, France launched Operation Barkhane in 2014 to pursue militants across the wider Sahel. Barkhane officially wound down in 2022, but French soldiers still showed up in different roles: training, base support, and targeted operations. France also intervened in the Central African Republic (Operation Sangaris) and keeps a strategic military presence in Djibouti, which hosts a long-term French base used for regional security and maritime patrols.
In recent years the picture has shifted fast. Coups in Mali, Niger and political tensions pushed some host governments to cut ties with France. At the same time, private military contractors and outside actors have moved into those gaps. That mix of troop withdrawals, new missions and local politics is why coverage changes by the week.
What you’ll find on this tag — and how to read it
On this tag page we collect eyewitness reports, official statements, expert analysis and timelines. Expect short news updates when troops move, deeper explainers on operations and clear guides to what a French presence means for civilians on the ground. We aim to separate: 1) operational facts (who, where, when), 2) political fallout (governments, parliaments, protests), and 3) human stories (displacement, local security, aid access).
Looking for context? Check pieces that map the shift from large counterterrorism operations to smaller, more targeted missions and training programs. Want quick facts? Look for timeline articles that list key dates—when operations started, when they changed names, and when bases opened or closed. Want reaction? We link to statements from African governments, the French defence ministry, and international bodies.
Why care about these updates? Because troop movements affect everything from local security and elections to migration and trade routes. A base closing or a new agreement with a capital can change who controls territory and how aid gets delivered.
Questions or tips from the ground? Send them our way. We use reader tips to verify stories and follow up. Bookmark this tag for live updates and quick explainers whenever French troops make headlines in Africa.
Stay tuned here for clear, practical coverage—no jargon, just the facts and what they mean for people living in the region.
French Troops Deployed in New Caledonia Amid Voting Rights Unrest
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has sent troops to New Caledonia to maintain order after violent unrest over changes to voting rights. The indigenous population fears these changes will weaken their political influence. The disturbances have resulted in casualties and property damage, prompting a curfew and a ban on TikTok.