After eight years of military engagement, one question is on everyone's lips: how and under what conditions will French troops withdraw from the Sahel?

Among the MPs, there are those who express full support for this military action. Like Bertrand Pancher from the Liberties and Territories group: "France made a choice that honors it by responding through political intervention, military action and promoting development. France's Sahelian strategy also aims to support these states in their capacity to ensure their security autonomously. Our Liberties and Territories group supports this strategy which seems complete to us."

And then there are the skeptical MPs, who have questioned the validity of this intervention from the very beginning. "We are at war," said Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of La France insoumise. "What are the objectives? What are we doing there? War on terrorism? Since when does France wage war on concepts? Who is our enemy in Mali? Who pays these people? We need to name the enemy who pays because whoever pays commands. And someone is paying. If today you tell us there are more jihadists, we must ask why? Is it because of our French presence or because someone is putting more money into it?"

Facing the MPs, the authorities seek to be reassuring: European partners are also increasingly engaged on the ground. In parallel, Defense Minister Florence Parly is banking notably on a progressive autonomization of Sahelian forces so they can take over in the long term.

► Also read: G5 Sahel Summit: French Barkhane force at a crossroads