International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: France and francophone West African countries before, during and after colonialism established diplomatic relations in order to achieve their national interest. Following the military coup that led to the truncation of democracy in the Sahel region, the age long diplomatic relations between France and Francophone West African countries was beset by diplomatic impasse in some Francophone West African countries like Mali, Niger, Gabon, and Burkina Faso in the recent time.
Objective: The study investigated the implications of the diplomatic impasse between some Francophone West African Countries and France with specific reference to Mali.
Method: The study adopted ex-post facto research design, content analytical technique and relied on secondary data like; textbooks, journals, internet materials and other information from media commentaries on television and radio.
Result: Result showed that the diplomatic impasse between France and Mali has negative implications on Mali’s economic development, military relations, and national security amongst others.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the diplomatic impasse between Mali and France, 2017 to 2023 affected Mali’s economy, military relations, and national security negatively due to Mail’s over dependence on France before the diplomatic impasse. Unique contribution: this study covered the academic lacuna created by the diplomatic impasse between France and some Francophone West African countries. Thus, the subject matter has not attracted sufficient scientific inquiry by scholars and by implication created dearth of literature on the history, causes and implications of the diplomatic impasse which was covered by this study. Hopefully, this study will be very useful to Scholars and students of international studies, politics, amongst others. Key recommendation: Development of viable economic development policies, Development of domestic base military structure in Mali and Development of indigenous-oriented security policies were recommended.