Final blow for Mali-France relations
Operation Barkhane started on 1 August 2014, while France will no longer operate in Mali it will continue its counterinsurgency operation in neighbouring states. (Photo: French Ministry of the Armed Forces)
The announcement on 2 May that Mali’s junta will be breaking from its defence accords with France signifies a new era in the nation, probably involving closer ties to Russia.
Mali’s junta announced on 2 May that it would be breaking from its defence accords with France, following strained relations and accusations that French forces had violated its national sovereignty.
The defence accords outlined the framework for France’s intervention in Mali. With this announcement, French and European counterinsurgency forces will no longer be able to operate in Malian territory.
Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, a spokesman for the junta, referenced multiple instances of French forces violating the nation’s airspace and France’s decision to end joint operations with Malian forces in June 2021 as the reasons for this decision.
This announcement, particularly its reference to airspace violation,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
