The Transitional Government is deeply surprised by the minister’s remarks about Mali being divided in the future, which they consider to be subversive and confusing. Bamako sees this as a wicked plan by the “French junta” to destabilize Mali and undermine its territorial integrity.
The Malian authorities have strongly condemned the minister’s statements, describing them as defamatory and a violation of Mali’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. These statements were made on October 11 in the French Senate by Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu.
The minister warned French senators about an imminent security risk in Mali in the coming weeks, citing a disturbing resurgence of terrorist activity. He also expressed disappointment with Mali’s preference for Wagner over the French army.
Mr. Lecornu’s alarming statement that Mali could potentially be divided in the coming weeks or months has raised concerns in Bamako.
Bamako regrets the lack of response from the French authorities regarding these “subversive, irresponsible, and confusing” statements that undermine Mali’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
The transitional government strongly condemns Mr. Lecornu’s statements and reminds the French authorities that Mali ceased to be their colony on September 22, 1960. They emphasize that the fate of Mali should not be determined in Paris. The government fervently hopes that Mr. Lecornu’s predictions will turn against himself and his country.
According to the Malian government, the seriousness of the French minister’s statements lies in the fact that they reveal a diabolical and desperate plan that undermines Mali’s territorial integrity.
Bamako also accuses the “French junta” of actively trying to drive away the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) instead of facilitating an orderly and secure withdrawal. They claim that this orchestrated flight, based on false reasons and in violation of the schedule for handing over control to Malian authorities, constitutes another betrayal of the Malian armed forces and security forces. It is seen as an intentional act to equip terrorist groups by deliberately abandoning significant quantities of weapons and ammunition.
In light of these developments, the transitional government urges the Malian population to remain vigilant and strengthen national unity.
MINUSMA had previously announced its departure from Mali in June 2023, following the request of the national authorities for a complete withdrawal by the end of the year. The first phase of the withdrawal was completed in late August, with the final UN convoys leaving the Ménaka camp in the northeast of the country. Over 3,000 members of the mission have already been repatriated.
However, Colonel-Major Souleymane Dembélé stated in an early October press conference that despite MINUSMA’s departure, Bamako will continue its fight against terrorism. The Malian forces will take control of the areas previously under the UN mission’s authority.
The official emphasized that MINUSMA did not achieve its objectives in Mali during its decade-long presence and failed to eliminate the terrorist threat.