Mali orders France’s ambassador to leave within 72 hours
Mali has decided to expel the French ambassador over a series of outrageous and hostile comments by Paris about the African country’s transitional government.
A Malian statement read on national television on Monday said the ambassador had been notified of the decision and given 72 hours to leave the country. “The government of the Republic of Mali informs the national and international public that today... the ambassador of France in Bamako, his excellency Joel Meyer... was notified of the decision of the government asking him to leave the national territory within 72 hours,” the statement read.
“The Malian government vigorously condemns and rejects these remarks, which are contrary to the development of friendly relations between nations.”
However, the statement added, the Malian government “reiterates its readiness to maintain dialogue and pursue cooperation with all its international partners, including France, in mutual respect and on the basis of the cardinal principle of non-interference.”
Hours later on Mandy, the French Foreign Affairs Ministry said France was also recalling its ambassador from Mali.
Relations between Mali and France have frayed since the army seized power in August 2020.
Renewed tensions mounted further on January 28 after French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called Mali’s ruling junta out of control and illegitimate. French Defense Minister Florence Parly also accused the country's rulers of stepping up "provocations" of France.
Some international organizations such as ECOWAS as well as the European Union (EU) have already imposed sanctions on Mali over the junta’s failure to organize elections.
The recent comments by senior French officials were in response to Mali’s decision to demand the withdrawal of Danish troops. France asked Mali to let the Danish troops stay, and Mali's government told France to keep its "colonial reflexes" to itself. The move was a blow to France that heads a so-called European anti-terrorism force in the African country.
Anti-French sentiment is also on the rise in West Africa as the security situation deteriorates despite the presence of French troops in the troubled region. France recently deployed more troops in the Sahel despite opposition to its presence there.
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