(27 Jan 2020) French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly met with Defense Secretary Mark Esper at the Pentagon Monday to discuss, among other things, terrorism in Africa and possible reduction of U.S. troops on that continent as part of a worldwide review by Esper. France has been blunt about the need for U.S. military support in the Sahel, the region just below the Sahara Desert, as groups linked to al-Qaida and IS move closer to well-populated coastal cities in countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast.
"U.S. support in Sahel is really critical to our operations," Parly said at a joint press conference.
"France has reached out to other European allies," Esper said.
"So I think it's time for other European allies to assist as well in the region. And that could offset whatever changes we make as we consider next steps in Africa," he said.
Esper is looking for ways to tighten the focus on China and Russia, and it is not known when a decision will be announced.
However, officials say Esper has made clear the U.S. will not withdraw from Africa entirely.
The French are increasing their presence in West Africa against what is now Africa's most serious extremist threat, this month announcing additional troops for its 4,500-strong operation in the Sahel and last month carrying out its first armed drone strike there.
In other matters, Parly and Esper said the U.S. and France are united when it comes to space defense.
"The cooperation between the United States and France is extremely strong and fruitful" Parly said.
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