France has suspended anti-terrorist cooperation with Mali and expelled two diplomats in response to the arrest of a French official by the military junta in Bamako.

France's decision to suspend anti-terrorism cooperation with Mali comes after the arrest of a French citizen accused of ties to intelligence services. The two Malian diplomats have been declared persona non grata and must leave France. Relations between Mali and France have deteriorated, with the military junta in Bamako turning towards Russia, although cooperation in the field of security has continued. Mali is facing a severe security crisis, generated by terrorist groups.