(Ecofin Agency) - In a broadcast statement, the Malian government "vigorously condemns and rejects" the recent comments of Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister. On January 27, Le Drian had criticized the "irresponsible measures" of an "illegitimate" junta.

These comments have escalated the tensions between Mali and France and in response, the African nation demands that the French ambassador, Joël Meyer (pictured) leave its territory within the next 72h. The government demanded so in a January 31 statement.

"The government of the Republic of Mali informs national and international opinion that today, Monday, January 31, 2022, the French ambassador to Bamako, H.E. Joel Meyer, was summoned by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who notified him of the government's decision to expel him from the national territory within 72 hours," the government said.

This announcement comes after the latest media releases from French authorities regarding the situation in Mali. On Thursday, January 27, the French foreign minister, Jean Yves Le Drian, called the Malian government an "illegitimate" junta, after Bamako called for the withdrawal of Danish soldiers from its territory. Le Drian said the measure is “irresponsible”.

As a reminder, Franco-Malian relations started deteriorating since Colonel Assimi Goïta came to power. Paris did not see with a good eye the rapprochement between Mali and Russia. Although it has denied relation with Russian group Wagner, Bamako has nonetheless strengthened its relations with Moscow, which appears more and more to be its main international supporter, while its relations with European countries are deteriorating.

Despite the situation, Malian authorities indicate that they are willing to "maintain dialog and pursue cooperation with all international partners, including France, in mutual respect and based on the cardinal principle of non-interference.”

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou