France’s main man in Mali has been given three days to leave the country amid worsening relations between Bamako and Paris.
The expulsion follows “hostile and outrageous remarks” made recently by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves le Drian, and a repeat of such remarks by France towards the Malian authorities despite a series of protests, the presidency explained.
In a statement read out on national television ORTM on Monday, the transitional government ordered the French ambassador, Joel Meyer, to leave Mali within 72 hours.
In recent days, Mr. Le Drian referred to the transitional authorities as illegitimate.
He had also claimed that the Russian group Wagner was already at work in Mali, and protecting members of the military junta in exchange for the exploiting its mineral wealth.
While strongly condemning such remarks, Bamako stressed that they undermine the development of friendly relations between nations.
However, the Malian leadership reaffirmed its “availability 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, in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of the Malian people.”
There have been tensions in recent days between Bamako and Paris over the presence of Danish troops in Mali.
These troops have since left the country.
ARD/te/lb/as/APA