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Mali’s foreign minister, Abdoulaye Diop, has said that the country’s military-ruled government has “nothing to rule out” over its relations with France amid serious tensions between the two countries.
Speaking to French broadcaster RFI on Friday, he said the issue of French troops leaving the country affected by the conflict is “not on the table at the moment”.
The former French colonial power has thousands of soldiers in Mali. The Sahel state has been fighting the ongoing uprising in 2012 before expanding into neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the media on Friday that “things cannot be as they are” between the French government and Mali’s military leaders.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly since the Mali army he staged a coup in August 2020.
Earlier this month, the West African bloc ECOWAS imposed a trade embargo and close borders with Mali in a decision backed by France, the US and the European Union.
The move was followed by a proposal by Mali’s military to remain in power for five years before the election, despite the international community’s commitment to vote in February.
Diop, referring to Le Drian’s statements, said that the relationship with Mali should not be done through the media.
“Malik does not rule anything out,” Diop told RFI, referring to the country’s relationship with France.
“Threats, injunctions, insults must be stopped to make way for a realistic compromise,” he added.
“If we feel that the presence is against Mali’s interests at some point, we will not hesitate to assume our responsibilities,” Diop said, adding that “we are not at that moment.”
Two-week period
Meanwhile, European allies agreed on Friday to make plans in two weeks on how to continue the fight against Mali’s armed groups, the Danish defense minister said.
Mali has also deployed Russian private military contractors, saying some European countries are incompatible with their mission.
“There was a clear perception that this was not about Denmark, but about a military junta in Mali that wants to stay in power. They have no interest in a democratic election, that’s what we asked for, “Defense Minister Trine Bramse told Reuters.
Takuba was speaking after a virtual meeting between the 15 countries involved in the European Special Forces mission. The parties agreed to come up with a plan within 14 days to decide what the “future counter-terrorism missions in the Sahel region” should look like.
Ministers held crisis talks after insisting on military authority Immediate withdrawal of Danish forces Despite the rejection of claims by 15 nations that Copenhagen’s presence was illegal.
“European, French and international forces are being targeted. Given the situation, the rupture of the political and military sphere, we cannot continue like this, “Le Drian told RTL radio, adding that the military is out of control.
He said Europeans needed to think about how to adapt their operations.
Diop, who spoke to France 24 television, said Le Drian’s comments were “full of contempt” and that Paris should act less aggressively and respect Mali.
“France’s position needs to change … we are reviewing some defense agreements and treaties to ensure that they do not violate Mali’s sovereignty. If that is not the case, we will not hesitate to demand adjustments.”
He said Paris welcomed the military coups “in response to its interests”, referring to a coup d’état in neighboring Chad, which had little resistance from France.
It is likely that Denmark’s military leaders will manage to influence future expansions, as Norway, Hungary, Portugal, Romania and Lithuania will send troops this year.
France raises questions about the wider future of Mali’s operations, where there are about 4,000 troops. Paris was committed to bringing European states to the region.
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