The removal of France’s final troops from the nation on August 15 prompted a response from Mali’s interim administration on Friday. The Barkhane force had been working in the nation for the previous nine years to support the local army in thwarting terrorist organizations. However, since the two military takeovers in August 2020 and May 2021, relations between Bamako and Paris have steadily deteriorated.
The French Barkhane military has effectively left Mali since August 15, 2022, according to the Transitional Government. Recall that on June 10, 2021, France made the decision to withdraw the Barkhane force from Mali unilaterally by setting a timeline without consulting the Malian authorities, to whom it was committed by defense agreements. This was stated on national television by news presenter Awa Mah Camara. The journalist was reading a paper released by the military government, which also assured the populace that this departure would not negatively affect their security but, rather, would enhance it significantly.
According to Awa Mah Camara, “The Transitional Government takes note of this Barkhane force’s complete retreat and reassures the Malian populace that additional victories would be registered against the terrorist groups as a result of the renaissance of the gallant Malian troops.”
Due to Russia’s increasing troop, instructor, and weapon presence in the nation since last December, relations with France have also deteriorated. On August 15, Mali’s foreign minister accused France of arming jihadist organizations and “often breaching” the country’s airspace in a letter to China, which is now holding the UN Security Council president.
