According to BBC News reporting on 3 June 2021, France has halted all joint military operations with Mali as a temporary measure due to the recent coup. This move came after French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to pull troops out of Mali if the political instability there continued. France said that the suspension would continue until it received guarantees about a return to civilian rule in Mali. This move follows the suspension of Mali"s membership in both the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, French forces will continue to operate in the country separately. World Watch Research analyst Yonas Dembele comments: "France has 5,100 troops in the Sahel region which has been a main front in the war against violent Islamic militancy. Since 2013, French troops have been supporting forces in Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad to combat the jihadist threat in the Sahel region. French troops have helped Mali regain territory, but attacks have continued as the insurgents have capitalized on the persistent political instability in the country and region at large. The fear is that, with the withdrawal of France from joint operations, jihadist attacks will increase in intensity. Mali"s fragile situation remains a grave threat to the Christian community"s existence in the country, especially as they are often targeted in attacks by Islamic militants."