Africa/France: After Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger terminate two conventions in the interest of the respective peoples
In a joint statement, Malian and Nigerien authorities have announced their intention to denounce the double taxation conventions concluded with France. These conventions date back to 1972 for Mali and 1965 for Niger.
The aim of these conventions was to avoid double taxation and establish mutual assistance in tax matters. However, Mali and Niger highlight the unbalanced nature of these agreements, which, they claim, result in a loss of revenue for their countries.
The decision by the governments of Mali and Niger will come into effect within a three-month period. The initial objective was to promote trade and investment between Mali, Niger, and France.
However, the reality seems to have been different. French companies have largely benefited from these agreements, avoiding double taxation when operating in Mali and Niger. On the other hand, the two African countries have not received equivalent benefits from these conventions.
Burkina Faso had already taken a similar measure last August. By denouncing its 1967 tax treaty with France, Burkina Faso highlighted the perceived injustice of these agreements, notably due to the imbalance between the advantages granted to French companies operating in Africa and the lack of reciprocity for African companies in France.
The three brotherly countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger) have leaders who share the same vision: to ensure complete independence and free their respective countries from colonial control.
