Because to armed group activities that began in 2012, large parts of Mali are out of government authority.
Mali’s ruling military has stated that it is severing defence agreements with former colonial master France, citing “flagrant abuses” of the country’s national sovereignty by French forces stationed there. The announcement was the latest indicator of Mali and France’s deteriorating relationship.
The decision was communicated to Paris on Monday afternoon, according to Bamako authorities.
France is yet to issue an official statement in response to the announcement.
