Barack Obama actually said...
I hereby determine that an unforeseen emergency exists that requires immediate military assistance to France in its efforts to secure Mali, Niger, and Chad from terrorists and violent extremists.
Context
Memorandum on the Drawdown Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for France to Support Its Counterterrorism Efforts in Mali, Niger, and Chad
08/10/2014