France attaches its cooperation with Mali in combating terrorism … and expels financial diplomats

A French diplomatic source said on Thursday that Paris suspended its cooperation with Mali in the field of anti -terrorism, and expelled two financial diplomats, according to Agence France -Presse.
The move comes after a series of escalating tensions between the two sides, as Mali, led by the Military Council headed by Asimi Ghaouta, took an increasing distance from its Western partners, especially France, and headed towards closer political and military alliances with Russia. At a prominent station of escalation, the financial authorities are holding a French citizen who is the second secretary at the French embassy, ​​in an unknown place. Bamako accuses him of spying and involvement in an “attempt to destabilize” the ruling regime. According to the “France International Radio” website, Paris strongly denies these accusations, describing it as “invalid and baseless”, stressing that she is following the file closely and demanding the release of its diplomats immediately.