Defense Minister: France cannot stay in Mali 'whatever the price'

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French Defense Minister Florence Parly said today, Saturday, that France cannot stay in Mali "whatever the price."

Speaking to France Inter, Parly said France would discuss the best path forward with other European allies that are also present in the country to "combat terrorism" by Islamic militants.

She then claimed, “We do the work we do at the demand of a sovereign state to combat terrorism that victimizes Mali’s population. But we can’t remain in Mali whatever the price.” 

The French Minister concluded, “In short, we are not prepared to pay an unlimited price to remain in Mali.”

Le Drian says 'out of control' military junta in Mali cannot continue

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday the confrontation in Mali with an "out of control" military junta could not continue, adding that Paris was discussing with its partners how to adjust its operations to continue confronting militants there.

Tensions escalated between Mali and its international partners after the junta failed to hold elections following two military coups.

Le Drian told RTL radio that the military council in Mali is "out of control" and illegitimate, detailing that given the current military and political situation, they cannot remain in the nation, citing that the decision is not exclusively French, but a collective decision including France's European and African allies.

The Foreign Minister added that discussions are ongoing between France and its European and African allies to decide how to proceed in light of the new situation and that the "fight against terrorism" is of utmost importance. 

Days ago, Mali's transitional government demanded that Denmark withdraw its soldiers from the nation "immediately".

France and 14 other European nations urged the military council on Wednesday to allow the presence of Danish special forces as part of a broader European task force tasked with countering militants.

Last June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced some changes that included reducing the presence of his forces in the Sahel region and focusing efforts on "operations combating terrorism,” he said.