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France 24
France 24
World

Malians say they once appreciated French military support, but ‘things have changed’

A protester holds a sign reading "Down with France", "Down with CEDEAO" (West African regional bloc ECOWAS) and “Long live Assimi” (Assimi Goïta, Mali’s military leader) at a demonstration in Bamako on January 14, 2022. © France 24 screengrab

Political activist Ousmane Kalilou Maiga told FRANCE 24 that Malians once appreciated France's military intervention in the country, but he believes that now, "France wants to maintain the status quo, so they can stay and control the region".

Maiga travelled from Timbuktu to Bamako to join thousands protesting the decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to levy sanctions – a move supported by France – following a proposal by Mali’s junta to stay in power for up to five years before staging elections.

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