Mali has expelled the Swedish ambassador in response to escalating tensions with Western nations. This diplomatic move reflects the ongoing strain in relations and highlights broader geopolitical conflicts affecting the region.

The government announced on Friday that Mali has demanded the departure of Sweden’s ambassador from its premises within 72 hours due to a Swedish minister’s “hostile” statement.

Following Mali’s announcement of diplomatic ties severance with Ukraine on Monday, Ambassador Kristina Kuhnel has been expelled.

In July, a senior Ukrainian official was accused of implying that Kyiv had assisted Tuareg rebels who boasted about eliminating several soldiers from Russia’s Wagner group and Malian forces.

The fighting in northern Mali has been denied any involvement by Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Johan Forssell, Sweden’s minister for international development cooperation and trade announced that the government will gradually stop providing bilateral aid to Mali because of its connection with Moscow. This came after Bamako ended their association with Kyiv.

On social media platform X, Forssell stated that it is impossible to receive several hundred million kronor in development aid each year and back Russia’s illegal act of war against Ukraine simultaneously.

Over the last ten years, Sweden has given over $330 million in aid to West Africa.

Mali’s ties with the West have deteriorated since 2020 when a military junta took control and executed another coup in subsequent years.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – all led by military juntas have shifted their focus from traditional Western alliances to establish stronger bonds with Russia.