Macron Faces Backlash Over Africa Comments

French President Emmanuel Macron faced backlash after stating that Sahel nations have 'forgotten to say thank you' for France's military intervention against Islamist extremism since 2013. His comments, made during a speech to French ambassadors, were perceived as neo-colonial and sparked outrage from African leaders, particularly from Chad, where officials accused him of showing contempt towards Africa. Macron defended France's military presence, asserting that no Sahel state would be sovereign today without French intervention, and attributed troop withdrawals to military coups in the region. He emphasized that French forces left because they were no longer welcomed by governments that had initially requested their assistance. The remarks come amid growing Russian influence in the region and increasing anti-French sentiment following the withdrawal of troops from nations like Mali and Burkina Faso. Macron's comments reflect the strained relationships between France and its former colonies, as ongoing instability continues to challenge diplomatic ties.