France and Mali’s relations have taken a sharp turn for the worse. Paris has suspended all counterterrorism cooperation and ordered two Malian diplomats to leave France, following the arrest of a French intelligence officer in Bamako last month. The officer, accused of plotting to destabilise Mali, was denied any wrongdoing by France. In response to the expulsions, Mali has also declared French diplomats persona non grata. This escalation comes after the junta-led government cut military ties with France, seeking security partners like Russia. The rift reflects a deepening diplomatic and strategic crisis, marking a major setback for France in West Africa.
