France Says Mali Exit from Defense Accords 'Unjustified'

France affirmed that Mali's decision to renounce their military cooperation agreement after Paris fell out with its ruling junta is "unjustified".

Paris "considers that this decision is unjustified and absolutely contests any violation of the bilateral legal framework", a French foreign ministry spokesman told reporters on Tuesday, adding that it would not affect the military withdrawal.

"France will continue the withdrawal in good order of its military presence in Mali, in line with the commitments it has made to its partners," the spokesman said.

On Monday, Bamako announced it would quit the 2014 accords because of "flagrant violations" of its sovereignty by French troops.

Following two coups in the country, the former colonial power began removing soldiers belonging to its Barkhane force from Mali amid rising tensions with the military-controlled government.

This big move came as diplomats claimed that the UN Security Council had held a closed-door session on Mali on Tuesday at Russia's request.