The Military Government in Mali has cut diplomatic, military, and economic ties with France, abandons French as its official language, and ends its ECOWAS membership.

In a communique released on the 24th January 2022, the Malian Military Government led by Colonel Assimi Goita Malick has said they will not partake in any meetings with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the military government has also cut all ties with France.

Here are highlights from a communique sent out by the spokesperson of the transitional government led by Colonel Assimi Goita Malick.

“The government of Mali officially announces an end to diplomatic, military and economic ties with France according to the demands of the Malian people.

The government of Mali announces its decision to sever cooperation agreements with France from today the 24th of January 2022.

The government of Mali announces an end to its participation in ECOWAS. Henceforth Mali will no longer be a member of ECOWAS.

The government of Mali announces that as of today the 24th of January, French will no longer be the official language of Mali. BAMBARA will henceforth be the official language of Mali.

The government of Mali calls for the immediate exit of France and its troops from across its national territory.

The government of Mali calls for the immediate closure of the French embassy and all French institutions on the national territory of Mali within 72 hours.

The government of Mali calls on all the youths, civil servants, civil society, and religious authorities to mobilize and take charge of their destiny.”