Mali suspends granting visas to French citizens in reciprocal move

Mali’s Foreign ministry announced Wednesday August 9 decision by authorities to suspend indefinitely issuance of visa to French nationals after the European country also made similar decision and classified the West African country “red zone” on the grounds of “strong regional tensions.”

France’s embassy in Mali’s capital Bamako has closed its visa center and indicated that the “strong regional tensions” stem from Niger, where the military ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

“In application of reciprocity, the ministry suspends, until further notice, the issuance of visas to French nationals by the diplomatic and consular services of Mali in France”, the Malian Foreign ministry said in reaction. Ties between two countries have gone sour with transitional Malian government led by Col. Assimi Goïta. The military leader turned President cut ties with France and turned to Russia for support.

Mali has voiced support for the military takeover in Niger where France is being asked to pull out.

Bamako and Ouagadougou vowed to declare war to France-backed West African economic community ECOWAS that wielded a military intervention in Niger if Bazoum is not restored, after giving August 6 deadline to the junta in Niger.