Macron denounces Malian PM's allegations of an “abandonment” by Paris as “shameful”

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, reacted on Thursday (30 September) to the “abandonment” allegations made by Mali's prime minister, Choguel Kokalla Maïga, at the UN last Sunday, describing them as "shameful". Maïga had accused France of abandoning Mali "in full flight" with its decision to withdraw the Barkhane force.

“I was shocked. These comments are unacceptable [...]. While yesterday we presided over the national tribute to Sergeant Maxime Blasco [killed in action in Mali last week], this is unacceptable. It is a shame and it dishonours what is not even a government,” Macron told an RFI correspondent on the sidelines of the closing dinner of the Africa2020 Season held at the Élysée Palace.

Paris had already condemned Maïga's comments earlier this week. The French minister of armed forces, Florence Parly, had denounced the accusations as being "unacceptable" and "indecent", which amounted to “wiping ones feet on the blood of French soldiers”.

“I know that the Malians do not think that”, estimated Macron, stressing that “the legitimacy of the current government”, resulting from two coups d'état since 2020, was “democratically null”.

“We are demanding because we are committed, we want to fight against terrorism and for security,” he added. “We are here because the Malian state asked for it. Without France, Mali would be in the hands of terrorists,” he claimed.

Macron reiterated his expectations for the leaders of the junta “to respect their commitments: that in February there will be elections, that they stop putting political opponents in prison, that they do their job, that is to say the return of the State, which they have not done for months.”

The president assured that France would continue its development projects in Mali alongside the international community. But “this work cannot be done if the leaders do not take their responsibilities”, he warned.

“It is not a fatality” he continued, giving the example of Niger, a country neighbouring Mali, where “courageous” presidents are “doing their best, fighting for their people, education, health… They are doing an admirable job.”

 

source: commonspace.eu with RFI (Paris) and agencies.
photo: Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace during the Africa2020 Season on Thursday, 30 September; @EmmanuelMacron (Twitter).

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held on August 31–September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China, brought together leaders of the 10 member states, as well as representatives from over 20 countries and 10 international organisations. The summit resulted in the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, outlining key directions for cooperation and security. Armenia officially announced its intention to join the SCO on July 3, 2025, emphasising its commitment to the organisation’s core principles, territorial integrity, non-use of force, and inviolability of borders. Azerbaijan submitted its application later, in August. Currently, the process of admitting Armenia and Azerbaijan to the SCO is in the preliminary co-ordination stage, involving the attainment of partner status with the prospect of transitioning to full membership in the future.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

Stumbling blocks for Armenia and Azerbaijan on the Road to SCO Membership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held on August 31–September 1, 2025, in Tianjin, China, brought together leaders of the 10 member states, as well as representatives from over 20 countries and 10 international organisations. The summit resulted in the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, outlining key directions for cooperation and security. Armenia officially announced its intention to join the SCO on July 3, 2025, emphasising its commitment to the organisation’s core principles, territorial integrity, non-use of force, and inviolability of borders. Azerbaijan submitted its application later, in August. Currently, the process of admitting Armenia and Azerbaijan to the SCO is in the preliminary co-ordination stage, involving the attainment of partner status with the prospect of transitioning to full membership in the future.