Mali says France should withdraw troops 'without delay'
Published on: Thursday 17 February 2022
BAMAKO (Reuters) -Mali's ruling military junta on Friday asked France to withdraw troops from its territory "without delay", calling into question Paris' plan for a four- to six-month departure and highlighting the breakdown in relations between the two countries. Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, a junta spokesman, said France's decision on Thursday to withdraw forces that have been fighting an Islamist insurgency was a unilateral move that violated military accords between Mali and France. Announcing the French troop withdrawal on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron said it would take four to six months.