At the UN, Choguel Maïga accuses France of abandoning Mali by withdrawing the Barkhane force

Malian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga at the podium of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2021. AFP - KENA BETANCUR

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At the podium of the United Nations General Assembly this Saturday, the Malian Prime Minister of the transitional government, Choguel Maïga, did not mince his words: he accused France of having abandoned Mali by deciding to withdraw the Barkhane force.

He did not appreciate either not having been warned by his "partners" which are Paris and the UN. 

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With our correspondent in New York,

Carrie Nooten

Before the international community, Choguel Maïgua complained about the way in which

the withdrawal of the French force Barkhane from Mali was carried out

. A unilateral decision by France according to him, which the transitional government deplored. As the Prime Minister asserts, the security situation in Mali has absolutely not improved despite the foreign forces on the ground and the inhabitants continue to suffer from these jihadist threats. Suddenly, Bamako made security its number one priority, even more after being abandoned by Barkhane's men. 

“

 The new situation born of the end of Barkhane, placing Mali in front of a fait accompli and exposing it to a kind of abandonment in mid-flight, leads us to explore ways and means to better ensure security independently with other partners so as to fill the void that will not fail to create the closure of certain rights-of-way of Barkhane in northern Mali

 ”, launched the Malian Prime Minister. 

Not once has Choguel Maïga confirmed to be in contact with

the Russian mercenaries Wagner

.

This information was whispered and commented this week in New York, but it was the head of Russian diplomacy Sergei Lavrov who confirmed it a few minutes before Choguel Maiga took the podium, while denying any involvement of Moscow.

The head of the Malian government also asked that the mandate of Minusma be broadened so that the UN force is more offensive. 

The third priority area of ​​the government is devoted to the organization of transparent, credible and inclusive general elections to mark the return of constitutional order in Mali.

Choguel Maïga, Prime Minister of Mali

Carrie Nooten

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  • Mali

  • France

  • Choguel Maïga