Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop, has emphasized that the relationship between Mali and France is deeply rooted in history. Speaking on July 27, 2026, Diop stated, 'Our relationship is rooted in the annals of history,' highlighting the long-standing ties between the two nations.
This statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Mali and France, particularly following the withdrawal of French forces from Mali in 2022 after a decade-long counterterrorism mission. Relations have been strained due to Mali's collaboration with Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, which France has criticized.
Diop's remarks were made during a press conference in Bamako, where he also discussed Mali's foreign policy priorities. He reiterated Mali's commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations with France while pursuing its own security and development interests.
The exact context of Diop's quote could not be independently verified beyond the provided source, but it reflects the complex historical and political dynamics between the two countries.
