The French military is scurrying to hide mass graves in Mali that they have been responsible for, according to a member of Mali's National Transitional Council, Aboubacar Sisiki Fomba, who spoke to Sputnik. 

Last month, Malian troops found bodies buried next to the former French military base in Gossi.

"The French military lies, fabricates facts, wanting to hide mine wells. If there are mass graves, then they are responsible for them," Sidiki Fomba said.

Read more: French media tries to cover up military crimes in Mali: HR activist

In parallel with this issue, Mali has also issued an investigation to search for possible nuclear waste.

"We have launched an investigation into the search for possible nuclear waste. I was not there, but I receive information in real time," the official said.

On Tuesday, the Mali junta decided to withdraw all defense treaties with France, citing "flagrant abuses" of national sovereignty. 

The announcement was the latest proof of deteriorating relations between Mali's junta and France.

“For some time now, the government of the Republic of Mali notes with regret a profound deterioration in military cooperation with France,” Spokesperson Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga said in a televised statement.

Read more: Mali’s military junta accuses French army of 'espionage', 'sabotage'

Maiga cited numerous instances of French forces violating the country's airspace. He was referring to France's intention to stop joint operations with Malian forces in June 2021. He also mentioned France's intention to withdraw its soldiers from Mali in February.

In 2014, the French initiated a military task to allegedly fight against terrorism in parallel with the Malian military in the Sahel. The French in February decided to pull out due to their failure in the region. 

Read more: French failure in Mali, French elections & Russian affinity