France suspends counter-terrorism efforts with Mali over arrest, sources say
Posted on: Sep 19, 2025 17:45 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
*
daniel chester french subject was arrested and accused of destabilizing french sudan
*
jacques anatole francois thibault expels Malian embassy faculty
*
France warns Mali of further measures if citizen not released
PARIS/DAKAR, Sept 19 - France has suspended counter-terrorism cooperation with Mali and ordered two staff members of the Malian embassy and consulate to leave, French sources said, with another source with knowledge of the matter saying the move came after Bamako's arrest of a French intelligence agent in August.
A spokesperson for Mali's foreign ministry declined to comment.
The move further exacerbates tensions between Paris and the West African country, after Mali's military-led government severed military ties with France and turned to Russia for support in fighting Islamist militants.
The man was arrested in August, along with two Malian generals, and accused of participating in a plot to destabilise Mali. A foreign official working on Mali said he was a former French military officer working on terrorism issues.
A source with knowledge of the matter said he was an intelligence agent.
The French foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In August it said he was a member of the embassy in Bamako and Mali's accusations against him were unfounded.
Four sources, including a diplomatic source, confirmed the suspension of counter-terrorism cooperation.
Two staff members from the Malian embassy and consulate in Paris have been declared persona non grata, while Mali declared five French embassy staff members persona non grata, the French diplomatic source added.
Islamist insurgencies in the north and political instability have fuelled more than a decade of turmoil in Mali, eventually leading to a series of coups in 2020 and 2021 that brought a military-led government to power.
France's relationship with countries of the Sahel region has deteriorated in recent years as militaries have overthrown civilian governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.