Mali’s government has given the French ambassador 72 hours to leave the country over “outrageous” comments by the French authorities about its transitional government.
“The Malian government vigorously condemns and rejects these remarks, which are contrary to the development of friendly relations between nations,” a statement read over state television said.
“The government of the Republic of Mali informs the national and international public that today … the ambassador of France in Bamako, his excellency Joel Meyer … was notified of the decision of the government asking him to leave the national territory within 72 hours.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had said on Friday that Mali’s military government was “out of control” amid growing tension between the West African state and its European partners following two coups.
Le Drian also called the military government illegitimate. French Defence Minister Florence Parly said on Saturday that French troops would not stay in Mali if the price was too high.
There was no immediate response from Paris or the French embassy in Bamako.
