Mali Junta orders French Ambassador to leave within 72 hours

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Global news agencies have reported that the Military Junta in Mali has ordered the French Ambassador in the country to leave within the next 72 hours.

The French Ambassador has been labeled as a ‘Persona non Grata due to comments by French authorities to the transitional government led by Col. Assimi Goita. This has created tensions between Mali and Paris in recent years. Recently, Mali engaged in a row with France over the reported use of Russian mercenaries in its fight against terrorism.

After the expulsion of Ibrahim Boubakar Keita in 2020, pro-coup protesters waved Russian flags and placards calling out the French government.

As a result of the coup, Mali has been suspended from the ECOWAS, AU, Regional, and Continental blocs.

Burkina Faso and Guinea are other West African Countries that have been suspended as a result of a coup.