France Halts Cultural Cooperation with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

France has abruptly ended all cultural cooperation with artists and performers from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, revoking cultural visas and suspending financial support. The directive, issued by the French Ministry of Culture at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was communicated via the Regional Directorates of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) on September 14. It explicitly orders the suspension of all cooperation with these West African states, which are currently under military regimes hostile to France. The decision follows a diplomatic crisis triggered by a series of anti-French coups in the Sahel region. Cultural institutions funded by the French government, particularly theaters, were instructed to immediately halt any projects or financial support involving these countries and to issue no invitations or visas to citizens of Mali, Niger, or Burkina Faso. The move has sparked outrage in the cultural sector, which had previously been unaffected by security issues in the region. In response, French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak attempted to clarify on September 15, stating that the goal is not to stop exchanges with artists or cultural venues, but despite her reassurances, artists will still be denied visas and permits.