African governments have criticized a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron in which he said that some leaders showed “ingratitude” for the deployment of his nation’s troops in the Sahel region in battling Islamist extremism.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the French army is leaving African countries because the country does not want to help the juntas that came to power with the support of Russia. He emphasized that the French state helped sovereign African countries by conducting anti-terrorist operations against jihadists.

Ivory Coast says that French troops will leave the country starting January 2025, becoming the latest African nation to downscale military ties with its former colonial power.

A French army official confirmed to AFP on Jan. 6 that several dozen Ukrainian soldiers serving in the 155th "Anne of Kyiv" Mechanized Brigade deserted while undergoing military training in France.

Several dozen Ukrainian soldiers deserted while undergoing training in France, AFP reported, citing a French army official.

Several dozen Ukrainian soldiers have deserted while training in France, a French army official told AFP on Monday.