Friday’s reaction by Mali’s transitional government to France’s withdrawal of its last soldiers from the country on August 15, was a resounding “Yes!”. The Barkhane forces had been operating in the country over the past nine years to aid the local army against terrorist groups. However, relations between Paris and Bamako have been steadily deteriorating since the military coups of May 2021 and August 2020.
“The Transitional Government noted the effective withdrawal of the French Barkhane forces from Malian territory since August 15, 20,22. It is worth noting that France unilaterally decided, on June 10, 20,21, to withdraw its Barkhane force forces from Mali. This decision was made without consulting the Malian authorities.”, declared news presenter Awa Mah Camara, on national TV. The journalist was reading a document published by the military government in which it also promised the population their security would not be altered by this departure and on the contrary would considerably improve. “The Transitional Government notifies the Malian people of the Barkhane’s withdrawal and assures them that more victories against terrorist groups will be achieved because of the strength of the Malian forces. read Awa Mah Camara.
The increasing presence of Russian soldiers and instructors in France has also contributed to a decline in France’s ties with France. On August 15, Mali’s Foreign Minister accused France of arming terrorist groups and “frequently violating” its airspace.
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