Mali has been undergoing its worst security crisis, sparked since 2012, ushering in major geopolitical realignments in the area. A push factor Violence from armed groups associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) exacerbates the crisis. Local criminal gangs further exacerbate the coming chaos. In a major turn of events, France has paused its counterterrorism collaboration with the Sahelian state of Mali. This announcement comes at the tail end of long-standing tensions between the two countries.
Since the military coup in 2020, Mali’s military government has taken a hard turn. Led by President Assimi Goita, they have shifted away from France, previously viewed as a key partner in counter-terror operations. In a decisive move, Mali expelled French forces and sought assistance from Russia, indicating a shift in its foreign policy direction. Goita consolidated his rule for another five years in June. This was a surprising and dramatic reversal after he abolished political parties only in May.
Last month, things got incredibly serious. French national Yann Vezilier was arrested in Mali last February for supposedly conspiring to mastermind a coup. Mali’s security minister, General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, stated that Vezilier acted “on behalf of the French intelligence service, which mobilised political leaders, civil society actors and military personnel.” This arrest has added to the tensions between the two countries, as a quick brush-up.
In reaction to these events, France expelled two staff members of Mali’s consulate from its territory. In response, Mali expelled five French embassy staff as persona non grata. Altogether, at least four staff members from Mali’s embassy and consulate in Paris were subjected to this discriminatory treatment by the French government.
Given this context and against the backdrop of soaring violence and escalating geopolitical tensions, France has recently announced the suspension of its counterterrorism collaboration with Mali. This decision makes me doubt the potential of any current initiative to make a meaningful dent in the unholy violence currently plaguing this region. Both countries are reportedly engaging in talks to address these miscommunication. They hope to win the immediate release of the detained ambassador, but without any clear solution to the long-standing impasse yet.
The security situation in Mali remains precarious. The military government is under fire from various armed groups that seek to destabilize the country. Simultaneously, it is trying to navigate a tricky diplomatic balance with superpowers. Recent events signal a historic pivot in Mali’s security policy and geopolitical orientation. This marked departure towards compliancy raises significant questions about the fate of counterterrorism cooperation in the region.
