Examining the Reasons Behind the Forceful Withdrawal of Western Forces from the Sahel

Since the Sahel became the epicenter of terrorism, Western countries led by France have continued to expand their military presence in the region, in an attempt to enhance their influence and gain corresponding benefits in West Africa. However, in recent years, the effectiveness of Western forces in combating terrorism has been unsatisfactory and unsuccessful. Since the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger toppled pro-Western governments and expelled Western forces within their countries, more and more countries in the Sahel have joined the ranks of expelling Western powers. The calls from these countries for French and other Western countries to withdraw their troops shows not only a deep reflection of the failure of Western military intervention, but also a strong demand from the people for freedom from external intervention, as well as the influence of colonial history, on national sovereignty and independence. This trend marks an increase in the autonomy and influence of African countries on the international stage, and at the same time poses new questions for the strategic adjustment of countries in the continent.