The power of the junta in Bamako recently canceled the authorization granted to Air France to resume its flights to Mali. This decision was taken due to a lack of consultation with the Malian hierarchy during the initial agreement. Air France had however announced the resumption of its flights to Mali from Friday, after a two-month suspension.
This cancellation highlights the tense relations between France and Mali, after a series of military coups in the Sahel region. Indeed, France, a former colonial power, is militarily engaged in the region and had to repatriate its troops and diplomatic staff due to hostile demonstrations and attacks against its representations.
The suspension of Air France flights last August was motivated by the unstable geopolitical situation in the Sahel, marked by the rise of jihadism and violence. This decision also followed the closure of the airspace of neighboring Niger, following a coup d’état.
In this context, the Malian junta decided to revoke the authorization granted to Air France, thus putting on hold the resumption of flights initially planned for this Friday. The Malian authorities have expressed their desire to act in a responsible and coordinated manner, while respecting their sovereignty.
It is important to emphasize that this cancellation of the authorization shows a deterioration of relations between France and the new leaders of the countries in the region, following successive coups d’état. France has also classified the capitals of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger as a “red zone”, formally advising its nationals not to go there.
Regarding the resumption of flights to Mali, Air France had planned to use a plane from the Portuguese company EuroAtlantic Airways, with a crew made up of employees of this company. This choice was motivated by the recommendations of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which advised the French against traveling to Mali due to the security situation.
In conclusion, the cancellation of Air France’s authorization to resume flights to Mali reflects the tensions between France and the new leaders of the Sahel region. This decision also highlights the difficulties faced by airlines in this area, due to political and security instability.