On Monday, the Malian authorities asked the French ambassador Joël Meyer to leave the country within 72 hours, following hostile and outrageous comments made by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian about the country’s transitional government.
A Malian government statement said: “This measure follows the hostile and outrageous comments made recently by the French minister of Europe and foreign affairs and the recurrence of such comments by the French authorities with regard to the Malian authorities, despite repeated protests.”
Government of Mali has expelled France’s ambassador- he has been given 72 hours to leave the country.
— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) January 31, 2022
Ambassador Joël Meyer, was summoned by Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & notified of this decision following what Bamako brands as “hostile” statements by French officials pic.twitter.com/rxymjroGZx
The statement further said, “The Malian government vigorously condemns and rejects these remarks, which are contrary to the development of friendly relations between nations.” Although, the statement, announced on state television, did not specify the comments it was referring to.
In response, the French foreign ministry told Euronews, “France takes note of the decision of the transitional authorities to end the mission of the French Ambassador to Mali.” The ministry confirmed the withdrawal of its ambassador from Mali. “France reiterates its commitment to the stabilisation and development of the Sahel, alongside its partners in the Sahel Coalition,” the ministry added.
Last week, Le Drian called Malian authorities illegitimate and accused them of taking irresponsible measures. Consequently, the Malian authorities summoned the French ambassador on Monday and gave him 72 hours to leave. In another interview, Le Drian accused Russian mercenaries of protecting the junta in exchange for the country’s resources.
On Saturday, France’s Defence Minister, Florence Parly, said French troops wouldn’t stay in Mali if the cost was too high.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions between the West African country and its international partners. In the latest flare-up, the Malian authorities asked the Dutch government to withdraw troops deployed in the French-led Takuba military operation to combat terrorism.
Reports the French Ambassador has been declared Persona Non Grata by #Mali transitional authorities are unacceptable
— Jeppe Kofod (@JeppeKofod) January 31, 2022
Denmark stands in full solidarity with France
Such irresponsible behavior is not what we expect from Mali, will loose international credibility#dkpol
Moreover, the representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was expelled from the country earlier this month following the imposition of sanctions on the country.
The European Union and other international partners had imposed sanctions on the country due to the latter’s failure to conduct general elections as scheduled on February 27. Under the control of Mali’s interim president, Col Assimi Goïta, the junta revoked its commitment to hold democratic elections and extended control until 2026.
The relations further deteriorated after some European countries, including France, expressed concern over the presence of Russian security contractors from the Wagner Group in the country. The bloc also sanctioned eight individuals and three oil companies related to Wagner — accused of human rights abuses in Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic.
Mali has been battling Islamic insurgency since 2012 and upon the request from the Malian government, France intervened in its former colony to combat militants who had occupied parts of the country. However, the relations worsened between both countries after the military seized power in August 2020.