FRENCH COUNTER-TERRORISM OPERATION IN AFRICA: THE EXECUTION OF OPERATION BARKHANE IN SAHEL REGION UNDER PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE (2014-2017)

Abstract

After a French military operation in Mali which called Operation Serval, French President Francois Hollande announced to continue military operations in combating terrorism in Africa. This operation is called Operation Barkhane. This operation is a follow-up military operation of Operation Serval, with the entire Sahel Region covered. This is a cross-border military terrorism operation with operations in five countries in the Sahel Region. In carrying out this operation, the French army was not alone. France cooperates with Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger. This thesis explores France's national interests in Africa and the Sahel countries and how this affects France and the Sahel countries to fight terrorism in the Sahel region. This thesis discusses how France runs a Military Operation to combat terrorism in the Sahel. It includes the strategies and activities carried out by the French army in executing Operation Barkhane.