Anti-French sentiment at M5-RFP anniversary demo

Members of Mali's M5 opposition movement reacted on Friday to France's move in suspending joint military operations with the African nation during a protest in Bamako.

Late on Thursday, France issued its strongest threat yet to Mali's coup leader by halting the operations and said it would do so until the junta complies with international demands to restore civilian rule.

Protesters, who had gathered to show their support of Goita and to mark the first anniversary of the M5 opposition group, were then seen holding anti-French signs at the demonstration a day later.

They also carried banners against the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc, which suspended Mali from the group after the coup last month.

Speaking at the demonstration was Choguel Maiga, a member of the M5 movement and a figure who some speculate could be a future prime minister of the country.

The move by France, a former colonial power, comes amid mounting international criticism of Mali's second coup in nine months and deepening fears that the political instability will embolden Islamic extremists in the north.

France's military has been fighting Islamic extremists in Mali since 2013, and the temporary suspension applies only to operations carried out in coordination with the Malian military.

Goita first seized control of Mali last August, then agreed to let a civilian president and prime minister lead a political transition following international condemnation.

But then nine months later he changed course, deposing both men after they announced a Cabinet reshuffle without his consultation.

While Goita has pledged to still hold elections in 2021 as promised, his latest coup d'etat has significantly undermined global confidence in his ability to hold fair elections free of junta interference.