Africa: Suspension of Air France flights, Mali and Burkina Faso have nothing to lose

The sustainability of Air France’s operations in Africa remains in suspension. Despite its strong track record and dominant position, the company now has to navigate in troubled waters. The recent suspension of flights to key destinations in West Africa (Burkina Faso and Mali) has put Air France in a difficult position.

Despite a strong and growing performance, with a 28% increase in the number of passengers travelling to Africa, or 3.87 million out of a total of 16.49 million, the current turmoil threatens to reverse this momentum. A destabilization that could hit the very heart of the company’s operations.

Air France has decided to suspend its flights to Burkina Faso and Mali because of this situation, the Malian government has revoked the French airline’s operating authorisation for the summer season. The suspension was described by Mali and Burkina Faso as a clear breach of operating authorization, noting the lack of prior notification and the inconvenience caused to passengers.

The rejection of French policy in Africa is constantly growing. Civil society organisations denounce France’s behaviour on the African continent. In view of the situation in Niger, the African community warns France against any military intervention in Niger.

According to observers, cooperation between France and African countries must henceforth be based on respect. It is this lack of respect that is what the Malian and Burkina Faso authorities do not tolerate.

Just Adjo