Will there be Europeans engaged alongside the French in Mali?

(BRUSSELS2) The question can legitimately be asked today after the remarks. Laurent Fabius, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs had a cryptic phrase today in Brussels. He is " quite possible that European countries decide to provide logistics. It's already planned. But also to make soldiers available. We can't force them to do it. There are limits to the European security and defense policy. We can regret it. But that's the current situation. ». A short sentence that has put the chip in the ear of several journalists. And, indeed, one can ask the question. What is the nature of the discussions actually involved?

No discussions on the European side

On the European side, we do not want to commit too much. The European Union is not currently engaged in any "forceful operation ” explained a military expert, that is to say of forces which will be in the first or second line on the ground. Its training action effectively aims to train Malian soldiers “in combat”. And she will also have her own protection forces, but only to protect her trainers.

Bilateral commitment

However, bilateral discussions seem to be well under way. Because Operation Serval can last. Of course - as Laurent Fabius reminded us, the French have not " vocation to remain eternally in Mali. It is up to Africans to lead this action on the front line. » But we don't see the action stop immediately either.

What means of combat could be engaged?

In this case, several possibilities for support from European countries can be envisaged. In addition to transport planes or tankers, various means of intelligence (drones, observation planes, etc.) can be implemented. Combat aircraft could also be engaged to carry out targeted strikes. The British Typhoons, for example, could be put to use. Like the special forces (if it's about going to free hostages) or taking other very discreet actions. A commitment which would also have the virtue of politically demonstrating the good Paris-London understanding. But we could also find some countries that had already been involved in the operation in Libya (Denmark or Belgium for example). The structuring of all this European commitment would then arise. As far as means of transport are concerned, flexible coordination is enough.