Demonstrations in Mali demand the complete withdrawal of French forces from the country

Hundreds of demonstrations took place in the Malian capital, Bamako, calling for France to withdraw its forces in the Sahel region. The demonstrators called on the international community not to interfere in their country's affairs.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in the Malian capital, Bamako, calling for France to withdraw its forces from the Sahel region. The demonstrators called on the international community not to interfere in their country's affairs.

"We are here for Mali, we are here to show our national sovereignty. To remind the whole world that sovereignty belongs to the people and that those who did not understand it must hurry today," said Mohamed Osman Mohamedoun, a member of the National Transitional Council.

He explained that their exit came "as a result of decades of mismanagement in the country and bad partnerships."

"It doesn't matter whether France will leave or always stay," one protester said. "The point is that Paris is not the most appropriate option."

According to reports, Bamako intends to conclude an agreement with the Russian "Wagner" group of mercenaries, run by a businessman close to President Vladimir Putin, to train the armed and financial forces and ensure the protection of leaders.

Paris considers that the agreement to be concluded will contradict the survival of the French "Barkhane" force that has been fighting "terrorists" in the Sahel region for eight years.

France had announced earlier its intention to reduce the number of "Barkhane" force in northern Mali in particular to about half by 2023.