France and Mali have both suspended the issuance of visas to each other's citizens, marking a further escalation in a diplomatic dispute that has led to France withdrawing its military presence
from its former Sahel partner. The tension between the two nations has been ongoing since the 2020 coup in Bamako, Mali's capital. However, the situation has intensified significantly following the coup in neighboring Niger on July 26.
According to reports from Le Monde and AFP, the French embassy recently halted the issuance of new visas in Bamako, designating the entire country as a "red zone" with strong advisories against travel. In response, the Malian junta decided to reciprocate by freezing the issuance of new visas for French citizens at its embassy in Paris, a move reflecting the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.
The French foreign ministry, on August 7, released an updated travel advisory, stating that due to the prevailing strong regional tensions, all travel to Mali is highly discouraged. The ministry specifically urged French citizens in Mali to exercise utmost vigilance.
The decision to suspend visa issuance has also necessitated a reorganization of services at the French embassy. Consequently, the embassy is temporarily unable to process visa applications until further notice, as confirmed by a French online visa application portal.
The discord between France and Mali dates back to the military takeover in Bamako in 2020, which resulted in the ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. This political turmoil stemmed from the government's inability to effectively counter a violent jihadist insurgency. As the crisis escalated, the Malian junta introduced Russian paramilitary forces into the equation. Subsequently, France initiated a phased withdrawal of its anti-jihadist troops, which concluded last year.
This bilateral disagreement has coincided with a surge in regional tensions due to the coup in Niger, a neighboring country and a significant French ally. The coup in Niger, which occurred on July 26, has contributed to the overall instability in the region.
As the diplomatic standoff persists, the suspension of visa issuance is yet another manifestation of the strained relationship between France and Mali. The situation underscores the broader challenges facing the Sahel region and the intricate web of geopolitical dynamics that continue to shape the area's political landscape. Photo by Pete unseth, Wikimedia commons.