Mali announced on Thursday August 10 the suspension of visa issuance to French nationals by its consular services. This decision follows the recent classification of the entire Malian territory as a red zone by the French authorities, which formally advised travelers against visiting the country.
A tense situation between the two countries
The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims to be asserting the principle of reciprocity and "regrets the unilateral French measure".. However, the Quai d'Orsay has not confirmed that it has suspended the issue of visas to Malians. The tense situation between the two countries also stems from the risk of kidnapping and general insecurity in Mali, as well as the spread of jihadism in the region.
French classification of hazard zones
Previously, the Malian capital was in zone orange, i.e. a no-go zone except for imperative reasons, while the rest of the country was in zone red. The French decision to place the whole of Mali in a red zone came as a surprise to the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consequences for relations between France and Mali
The reciprocal suspension of visa issuance to nationals of the two countries by their respective consular services in Bamako and Paris bears witness to a mutual respect between the two countries. deteriorating bilateral and regional relations between France and Mali. This situation could have consequences for joint security efforts, particularly in the fight against jihadist terrorism in the region.
Essential military and security cooperation
French forces had been present in Mali since 2013 to support the Malian authorities in their fight against the terrorist groups that controlled the north of the country. The French-led Barkhane operation is also deployed in other Sahel countries, including Chad, to combat local jihadist groups.
France was also actively involved in training the Malian army to improve its ability to ensure security on its territory and combat terrorist groups.
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