France can’t stay in Mali at any price, Defense Minister Parly says

Relations between Mali and its international partners are fraying.

News Moderator - Tomas Kauer News Moderator - Tomas Kauer
Jan 30, 2022 - 07:29
France can’t stay in Mali at any price, Defense Minister Parly says

French Defense Minister Florence Parly said that there are limits to the price France will pay in retaining a presence in Mali to fight terrorism in the African country.

Relations between Mali’s military government and its international partners are deteriorating after it failed to organize an election following two military coups, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying on Friday that the situation had become untenable.

Speaking to France Inter on Saturday, Parly said France would discuss the best path forward with other European allies that are also present in the country to combat terrorism by Islamic militants.

“We do the work we do at the demand of a sovereign state to combat terrorism that victimizes Mali’s population. But we can’t remain in Mali whatever the price,” Parly said.

She added that France and its allies needed to determine the new conditions on their mission in Mali, which all are united in wanting to maintain.

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