Jean-Yves Le Drian accompanied François Hollande on his visit to Mali, on Saturday, 2 February, 2013 during which the President expressed France's determination to follow through on its commitment to the country.
The French President, François Hollande, arrived in Mali on Saturday, 2 February 2013, accompanied by Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Defence, and Pascal Canfin, Minister in charge of Development. The delegation visited Mopti and Timbuktu before arriving at the Malian capital, Bamako three weeks after French operations began in Mali on the eleventh of January.
François Hollande gave a speech in Bamako at the Place de l'Indépendance.He said that the Franco-Malian military operation conducted with the support of other West African countries was "France's duty, acting on behalf of the international community with the support of European countries belonging to the United Nations".
« The war is not over », said the French President.
"Terrorist groups are weakened as they suffered heavy losses but they have not disappeared," he warned, adding that "Francedoes not intend to stay in Mali because it is the Malians themselves as Africans who will restore security, independence, and sovereignty. Respect, democracy, and transparency: this is how I understand the relationship between France and Africa. It is now up to you to forge your destiny."
This operation's mission is to combat widespread terrorism in Mali and restore "Mali's unity, integrity, and strength" said the President who also recalled the support given to France by Malian soldiers during the two World Wars.
François Hollande also extended a special thought to Commander Damien Boiteux who "died for freedom" in his helicopter on day one of the operation.