NIAMEY: President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Niger late Friday for a morale-boosting trip that saw him have Christmas dinner with some members of France's 4,000-strong Barkhane anti-jihadist force.
Former colonial power France has been leading regional counterterrorism efforts in West Africa's Sahel region, but is keen to spread the burden as its military is engaged on various fronts.
Macron was welcomed by his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou.
The French leader then had a "Christmas dinner" with some members of Barkhane. The meal was prepared by a chef from the Elysee.
"I am proud of you, France is proud of you ... France mourns its dead, takes care of its injured (and) is proud of its children who are fighting to protect it," he said.
With 500 men, Mirage 2000 fighter jets and drones, the French base in the Niger capital Niamey is the air hub for the Barkhane force.
Macron said the Barkhane mission will be continued with the "aim of winning clear and important victories against the enemy".
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