“… French contribution is making overarching contribution in the region” of Sahel said the EU spokesperson, while expressing condolences to families of two slain French soldiers in Mali recently in course of the counter-terrorist operation in the region of three borders.

“We have seen in Sahel the continuous deteriorating in the situation with the terrorist attacks on the daily basis targeting both military and civilians” she continued.

The European Union member-states are heavily mobilised in the Sahel with the commitment of more than €4,5 bn for 2014-2020 period.

The EU reiterates its strong commitment to the Sahel, and personally the High Representative Josep Borrell who has paid tribute to fallen soldiers defeating terrorism in Sahel. The EU continues to pursue contributing to the Security and Stability of the Sahel region, plagued by different militant groups, claiming their affiliation to the Islamic State terrorists.

Slain soldier Kevin Clément belonged to the 1st foreign cavalry regiment of Carpiagne (Bouches-du-Rhône). His death in Liptako on April 4 rises to 43 the number of French soldiers killed in the Sahel since the start of the operation in 2013, according to a count made from figures published by the general staff.