We explain why France and its European allies have decided to withdraw troops from Mali after almost a decade. France sent soldiers to its former colony in 2013 to beat back advancing Islamist extremists, but its initial battlefield success was followed by a grinding insurgency and rising hostility from Malians. This Thursday, France and its allies vowed to remain engaged in fighting terror in the Sahel. Of the 2,400 soldiers deployed, some will join other bases in the region.
We also head to Brussels for the EU-African Union summit. More than 40 African leaders are attending the event. The European Union is expected to offer them several packages of support to bolster health, education and stability in Africa.
