Mali Ends Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine

Mali breaks off diplomatic relations with Ukraine, ending their formal diplomatic engagement. Learn more about the circumstances.

Kiev has been accused by Mali of violating its sovereignty and providing support for global terrorism.

The interim government of Mali has declared that it will sever diplomatic ties with Ukraine. This decision came after Kiev authorities expressed their backing for Tuareg insurgents and acknowledged Ukraine’s involvement in a recent terrorist strike responsible for the deaths of Malian troops and Russian soldiers contracted by the military.

In the area of Tinzawaten near the Algeria border, Malian defense and security forces alongside Russian Wagner Group contractors were targets of an attack by Tuareg insurgents on a military convoy last month. The militants caused extensive damage to several trucks and claimed multiple lives among servicemen in their ambush.

After the assault, Andrey Yusov who is a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) made an appearance on Ukrainian TV where he revealed that his agents had provided the rebels with “crucial information and more” which led to a triumphant operation against Russian war criminals. He also promised more such victories in future. The interview was shared by Ukraine’s embassy in Dakar on its Facebook page along with comments from Ambassador Yury Pivovarov affirming that there would be conclusive outcomes. However, the video has since been taken down.

On Sunday, local media published a statement from the Malian government expressing their surprise at Kiev’s participation in what they describe as “a brutal and deceitful assault.” The statement further criticized Pivovarov for his comments, suggesting that Ukraine is an active supporter of international terrorism within Mali.

According to the interim government, Kiev’s actions constitute a violation of Mali’s sovereignty and international law while also exceeding the bounds of foreign interference.

After Ukraine was accused of involvement in aggressive behavior towards Mali, Bamako took action by cutting diplomatic ties and initiating legal proceedings against individuals who made statements advocating for terrorism. Additionally, measures will be implemented to prevent destabilization from African states through Ukrainian embassies, and formal alerts will be issued to regional/international bodies and supporting states that Ukraine openly supports acts of terror.

Mali’s government emphasized its neutrality concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict and affirmed its endorsement of Moscow’s alerts to the world regarding “the Ukrainian authorities’ neo-Nazi and wicked character.”

Mali has been caught in a jihadist insurgency for more than ten years causing the loss of lives and displacement exceeding 375,000 according to UN figures. An attempt by French military intervention failed to curb the violence which eventually spread across Burkina Faso and Niger prompting an assembly between these three African nations known as Sahel States Alliance; joined forces against terrorist attacks. As part of their counterterrorism efforts, this bloc has also requested enhanced security collaboration with Russia.