Niger, Mali cut ties with Ukraine over support to rebels

ZIMSPHERE 

BAMAKO/NIAMEY – Mali and Niger have severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accusing it of aiding Tuareg rebels in northern Mali. The move marks a significant diplomatic rift amid ongoing tensions in the Sahel region.

An undated photograph provided by the French military shows Russian mercenaries in northern Mali [Image: French Army via AP]

Mali initiated the break after intelligence surfaced revealing Ukraine's support for insurgents responsible for a deadly attack last month that killed 47 Malian soldiers and 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries. Niger swiftly followed suit, citing solidarity with Mali.

On Sunday, Malian government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga announced the immediate cessation of relations with Ukraine, condemning Kyiv's alleged "support for international terrorism" and labeling it "blatant aggression."

Niger echoed the sentiment on Tuesday, with government spokesman Amadou Abdramane declaring the severance of ties. 

In a televised statement, he criticized the "silence" of other African nations and the African Union regarding attempts to turn the Sahel into a battleground for ideological and strategic conflicts.

The diplomatic fallout follows remarks by Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, who acknowledged Ukraine’s role in providing intelligence to the rebels. Yusov justified the act by highlighting the rebels' efforts against "Russian war criminals."

These developments have raised fears of the Russia-Ukraine conflict spilling into Africa, exacerbating the Sahel's fragile security situation. Concerns have also been voiced over Ukraine's alleged breach of Malian sovereignty.

Russia has accused Ukraine of opening a "second front" in Africa, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

On Monday, Ukraine decried Mali's decision as hasty, denying any support for terrorism. However, Kyiv has yet to comment on Niger's move.

This diplomatic standoff poses a challenge to Ukraine's bid for international support, particularly in the Global South, as it seeks solidarity in its defense against Russian aggression.

(With reporting from news agencies)