On 16 November France announced the suspension of its public development aid to Mali, citing potential risks of its misappropriation and the deployment of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner by the ruling military regime. France’s decision to cut development aid followed its decision to pull out its Barkhane military operation from the country in August 2022. In response, the Malian government banned, with immediate effect, all activities carried out by NGOs operating in Mali with funding, material or technical support from France. This includes those operating in the humanitarian sector. For the Malian military leaders, the decision to cut French development aid whilst maintaining funding for NGOs represented a sidelining of their authority in the provision of goods and services to residents. A press release signed by interim Prime Minister Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, dismissed France’s announcement as “a non-event”, and “a subterfuge intended to deceive and manipulate national and international public opinion for the purpose of destabilising and isolating Mali.” A government spokesperson added that the rebuilding of Mali follows three major principles; “respect for the sovereignty of Mali; respect for the choices of partners and the strategic choices made by Mali; and taking into account the vital interests of the Malian people in decisions.”