Despite their growing diplomatic row, France and Mali both have vested interests in preserving their longstanding security relationship. An abrupt exit of French troops from the African country and the wider Sahel region thus remains unlikely, though it can’t be ruled out. Tensions between France and Mali have increased in recent weeks after the latter moved to delay elections originally scheduled for February. On Dec. 30, Malian officials announced the general elections wouldn’t be held until 2026, despite strong pressure from France, the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to stick with the original schedule. Following the announcement, European politicians and Malian junta leaders exchanged a spate of insults, which ultimately prompted Mali to expel the French ambassador from Bamako Jan. 31, along with Danish troops stationed in the country, earlier the same week. The French defense minister has said the situation is untenable, fueling...
