- According to a recent statement issued by the foreign ministry of France, France has decided to stop giving public development aid to Mali. The decision was taken in view of Mali’s ruling junta’s alleged ties to Russian paramilitaries
Tensions between France and Mali have been rising since the first military coup in Mali, two years ago. About three months back, France announced the withdrawal of Operation Barkhane, its anti-jihadist operation. French forces involved in Barkhane, had been helping five Sahel countries fight Islamists.
According to a recent statement issued by the foreign ministry of France, France has decided to stop giving public development aid to Mali. The decision was taken in view of Mali’s ruling junta’s alleged ties to Russian paramilitaries. However, France will continue to support humanitarian aid and support to civil society organisations.
Mali’s Junta leaders continue to deny the involvement of the Wagner services, the Russian paramilitary services. There has been strong evidence that they foster stronger ties with Russia, pushing France out of the diplomatic equation.
Also read;
https://trendsnafrica.com/uk-to-withdraw-its-military-contingent-from-mali-2/
https://trendsnafrica.com/mali-petitions-to-the-un-against-france/
https://trendsnafrica.com/mali-accuses-france-of-trying-to-divide-country/
According to the website of the French Embassy in Mali, support by the French development funding agency AFD to Mali amounted to 470 million euros between January 2013 and September 2017. The withdrawal of this support will reportedly affect more than 35 percent of Malians, or 7.5 million people, stopping essential services to vulnerable communities.
