France, Sept. 19 -- Diplomatic relations between Paris and Bamako have deteriorated further, with anti-terrorism cooperation suspended and diplomats expelled on both sides.

France has suspended its counterterrorism cooperation with Mali and ordered two Malian diplomats to leave Paris, following the arrest of a French diplomatic staff member in Bamako last month.

According to French diplomatic sources, the two Malian officials - attached to the embassy and consulate in Paris - were declared persona non grata and given until Saturday to depart.

The move is the latest twist in a spiralling 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 ...