*Orders French troops out in 72 hours
*Says nation no more ECOWAS member
The military government in Mali has cut diplomatic ties with France, even as Bamako now abandons French as nation’s official language and orders French troops to leave its territory within 72 hours.
These were contained as part of the highlights from a communique sent out by the spokesperson of the transitional government led by Colonel Assimi Goita Malick dated Monday 24 January, 2022.
Going by the date of the communique, the ultimatum given to French troops to leave the country expires this Thursday 27 January, The DEFENDER reports.
Although located along the western coast, Mali has now also severed its ties with ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West Africa States as the authorities say it will no longer participates in its programmes and activities.
Highlights from the communique read as follows:
“The government of Mali officially announces an end to diplomatic, military and economic ties with France according to the demands of the Malien people.
“The government of Mali announces its decision to severe 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 from 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.”
