Relations between former colonial power France and Russia-allied Mali have hit rock bottom since the 2020 military coup.

This August, France's national airline stopped flying to Mali in the wake of the military coup in neighbouring Niger.

Earlier this week Air France said it would start flying to Mali again from Friday onwards, saying it had reached a deal with the transitional authorities.

But this was later contradicted by Mali's transport ministry, which said it was still considering Air France's request to start flying to the country and it remained suspended for the time being.

Mali also accused the airline of having "unilaterally suspended" flights earlier without properly informing the authorities and customers beforehand. Air France has since said it is postponing flights to and from Mali until further notice.