France, Sept. 19 -- Relations between France and Mali have worsened, after France suspended counter-terrorism cooperation and ordered two Malian diplomats to leave Paris. The move came in response to the arrest of a French embassy staff member in Bamako last month.

French diplomatic sources said the two Malian officials - attached to the embassy and consulate in Paris - were declared persona non grata and told to leave by Saturday.

The decision deepens a long-running row between Paris and Bamako, which has been under military rule since successive coups in 2020 and 2021.

On 15 August, Mali's junta announced it had detained a French national accused of spying for the French intelligence services.

Colonel Assimi Goita's government claim...