Mali junta urges French president to abandon 'neocolonial' attitude

"The transitional government demands President Macron permanently abandon his neocolonial, paternalistic and patronizing posture to understand that no one can love Mali better than Malians," spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga said on public television on Sunday, RFI reported.

Maiga was responding on behalf of the junta after Macron's remarks during a three-day visit to Benin, Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau last week.

Referring to the current situation in Mali, Macron said West African nations had the responsibility to work to ensure the Malian people can "express the sovereignty of the people" and "build a framework of stability" to allow the "effective fight against terrorist groups".

Since 2012, Mali has been rocked by an insurgency by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Daesh terrorist groups.

Violence that began in the north, has now spread to the center and neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

In February, France announced that it will no longer have troops in Mali amid tensions with the country’s ruling military junta, according to AP.

Macron accused Mali’s authorities of neglecting the fight against extremists and said it was logical for France to withdraw.

French forces have been active since 2013 in Mali, where they intervened to drive extremists from power. But the insurgents regrouped in the desert and began attacking the Malian Army and its allies.

Malian Army spokesman Col. Major Souleymane Dembélé said at the time that despite the presence of French and European forces in Mali, the country continues to be plagued by terrorists who have encroached in many areas.

“What have they given us?” he asked during a press conference. “Mali is not alone and will not remain alone. France and European countries can leave. ... Let’s give it time and you will see what will happen.”