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Mali has removed French as its official language, following a landmark vote.
The language has been the West African country’s official language since 1960.
Following a referendum in June, an overwhelming 97% of voters voted for French to no longer be an official language.
However, the language will still be a working language from now on.
The other 13 national languages spoken in the country, will receive official language status
Mali has about 70 other local languages spoken in the country.
Some of these languages, including Bambara, Bobo, Dogon and Minianka, were granted national language status under a 1982
According to reports, the French language was used for government business, on road signs and even in state TV broadcasts.
The move comes more than 60 years since Mali’s independence from France
On Saturday, Mali’s junta leader Col. Assimi Goita put the country’s new constitution into effect, marking the beginning of the Fourth Republic in the West African nation, the presidency said.
The news has been welcomed by commentators, who say it “symbolises France is no longer the Colonial power or the Masters of Mali.”
Mali gained independence from France on 22 September 19
Aside this, it was reported that Mali had earlier ordered French NGOs to leave the country in November 2022.
Mali suspended French TV stations, RFI and France 24, expelled France’s Ambassador in January 2022. While alsoFrench troops left the country in August 2022.
