Relations between France and several Sahelian countries are becoming increasingly strained, with the suspension of artists from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from accessing French stages. This decision comes in the context of political and geopolitical disagreements between France and these West African nations.
The world of culture has become the latest battleground for geopolitical tensions between France and three Sahelian countries: Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. According to recently reported information by “radiofrance.fr,” the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has ordered the immediate suspension of all cooperation with these three nations in the artistic domain.
In a letter sent to festival and performance organizers by the Directorate General for Cultural Affairs, the ministry explicitly stated: “On the instruction of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, it has been decided to suspend, until further notice, all cooperation with the following countries: Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso.” This suspension includes all existing cooperation projects and prevents any invitations to artists from these countries.
This draconian decision comes amid sharp tensions between France and these Sahelian nations, which have experienced military coups in the past three years. The authorities of these countries have called for the withdrawal of French armed forces from their territory and expressed their intention to establish new partnerships, notably with Russia.
Tensions reached a critical point when the military authorities who seized power in Niger accused France of supporting a military intervention in coordination with West African countries to restore the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum.
In light of this tense situation, the largest union of public sector cultural enterprises (Syndeac) has requested an emergency meeting with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attempt to resolve this conflict and mitigate its impact on the artistic world.
