West African troops receive US military training

Flintlock 2022, the US military's largest annual special forces training exercise, began in Ivory Coast this week. Organisers say around 400 service members from more than 10 African partner and allied nations are participating in this year's programme.

Among them are troops from the Ivory Coast, who joined in training focused on countering a threat from Islamic extremists. Their participation came as French troops prepare to withdraw from Mali, to the north of the Ivory Coast.  President Emmanuel Macron announced the pullout on Thursday, accusing Mali’s authorities of neglecting the fight against extremists. West African troops from Cameroon, Ghana, and Niger are also taking part in Flintlock 2022.