Days after Bamako demanded the departure of the French ambassador Joel Meyer, Mali has announced change to its official language from French to Bambala.

According to sources, it is estimated that about 80 percent of the population of Mali speak Bambara as a first or second language.

The decision follows the hostile and outrageous comments made by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs towards the Malian Authorities.

The relationship between Mali and France have deteriorated sharply since Assimi Goitas government announced that it wanted to postpone the elections, initially scheduled for February 2022.

Western powers are concerned about Russia’s growing involvement in the former French colony.