France Expels Malian Diplomats, Suspends Counter-Terrorism Ties

    France Expels Malian Diplomats, Suspends Counter-Terrorism Ties
    Above: Interim Malian President Assimi Goita talks during a Russian-Malian meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace, June 23, 2025, in Moscow, Russia. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images

    The Spin

    Pro-establishment narrative

    France's diplomatic response and demand for the release of its diplomat in accordance with international law are entirely justified in light of Mali's unfounded accusations. The junta's claims of destabilization plots serve as a convenient scapegoat to distract from its own failures to ensure security and governance. Since the expulsion of French forces, Mali's military government has seen a dramatic increase in civilian casualties and terrorist attacks — proving its incompetence while blaming external actors for problems it has created itself.

    Establishment-critical narrative

    Mali's arrest of the alleged "French diplomat" represents a legitimate defense of national sovereignty against France's desperate attempts to maintain control by destabilizing Mali. Evidence shows that France has consistently undermined Mali's territorial integrity by supporting Tuareg separatists and jihadist elements. This pattern of French manipulation has its roots in colonial-era schemes, with France desperately seeking to exploit the Sahel's resources for economic survival while keeping the region divided and weak.

    Anti-Trump narrative

    While France is in retreat, the U.S. is stepping up its military and intelligence support for the military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — mainly motivated by the desire to secure key minerals and compete with Russia and China. Yet instead of building on past lessons, this "help" revives failed counterterrorism strategies that ignore deep-seated local grievances, civilian suffering and weak governance. Rather than stabilizing the situation in the Sahel, such engagement risks fueling anti-Western sentiment, making it a missed opportunity.

    Metaculus Prediction


    Public Figures


    Establishment split

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    © 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.16.0

    © 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

    All rights reserved.

    Version 6.16.0