AdvertisementMali has had two coups in the past three years and its ties to Russia have also complicated the relationship with the West. Mali’s intention to cut ties with the UN mission has simmered since July last year, when the junta-led administration suspended troop rotations of the mission. Read: Mali jails Ivorian soldiers for 20 yearsIn August that same year, the junta expelled Minusma spokesman Olivier Salgado. Read: Mali junta leader discusses security, economy with RussiaThe US State Department expressed regret over Mali’s decision in a statement on Tuesday. Malians voted on Sunday in a referendum proposing constitutional amendments ahead of transition to democratic rule, expected in march 2024.

Source: Daily Nation June 20, 2023 16:24 UTC