France and Mali suspend visa issuances amid diplomatic dispute

The dispute began in 2020, when a military coup overthrew the government of Mali. France, which had been providing military support to Mali's government, condemned the coup and withdrew its troops from the country.

Tensions between France and Mali have continued to rise in recent months, with the Malian junta accusing France of interfering in its internal affairs. In July, the junta announced that it would be expelling French troops from Mali.

The latest escalation in the dispute came on August 5, when the French embassy in Bamako suspended the issuance of new visas to Malian citizens. In response, the Malian embassy in Paris froze the issuance of new visas to French citizens.

The French foreign ministry has warned its citizens against travel to Mali, citing the prevailing regional tensions. French citizens who are in Mali have been urged to exercise the utmost caution.

The suspension of visa issuances is a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic dispute between France and Mali. It remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved, but it is clear that the relationship between the two countries has reached a new low. (ILKHA)