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Coup: France Won’t Cut Ties with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso – Minister

By Nurat Uthman

France’s culture minister, Rima Abdul-Malak, has stated that France does not plan to sever cultural connections with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

This statement comes in response to criticism from entertainment businesses regarding the recent decision to prohibit all partnerships with artists from these African nations.

Abdul-Malak clarified that this is not a change in policy but rather an adjustment due to the worsening security situation in the region.

She emphasized that France has always been a welcoming nation for artists.

The unstable political conditions in Niger and Burkina Faso, including a military coup and the presence of extremist militants, have necessitated France’s decision.

Additionally, Mali has been engaged in conflict with a rebel alliance, prompting France to suspend visas and development aid for all three countries.

Abdul-Malak’s remarks aimed to defuse tensions with SYNDEAC, a union representing artistic and cultural businesses.

SYNDEAC had demanded a meeting with the minister after her ministry issued a directive to halt cooperation and financial support to institutions from the three countries.

The union described the ban as unprecedented and criticized it for its negative impact on the artistic and political aspects.

In response to the backlash, Abdul-Malak assured that existing partnerships would not be affected by the ban. It would only apply to new projects that require travel visas for artists.

France has a significant community with ties to these three African countries, and performers from the region, particularly musicians, are highly regarded and popular at festivals.

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