Mali’s military junta has said it would withdraw from military pacts it signed with France.
The country cancelled the agreements it signed in 2014 when then French President Francois Hollande said he had decided to intervene in Mali to fight against Islamist insurgency.
The announcement had been expected for some months since France and other EU partners announced their decision to leave Mali in February after fighting jihadi violence in Mali for almost 10 years.
In a televised statement, Junta spokesperson, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga said: “For some time now, the government of the Republic of Mali notes with regret a profound deterioration in military cooperation with France.”
While announcing its decision in February, France blamed the country’s deteriorating political situation and persistent coups.
There was an increase in violence after France decided to withdraw its troops, with relations between both countries deteriorating further.
Mali alleged that France violated national sovereignty
The ruling military junta of Mali has condemned “flagrant violations” of its national sovereignty by the departing French soldiers.
Government spokesman Maiga gave many examples of the French violating the airspace of the country.
Also, Maiga spoke about France’s announcement to halt military operations in Mali in June 2021, and its decision to withdraw troops earlier in the year.
Authorities in Mali said they have informed French authorities about their decision.
The French government has not reacted to the news.
