Sahel states are calling for an investigation into Ukraine’s alleged involvement in a ‘terror’ attack in Mali, demanding accountability and justice for the incident.
Kiev’s capability in providing intelligence to armed groups has been challenged by a Malian official, according to reports.
According to RIA Novosti, Mali and Niger have requested the UN Security Council to investigate allegations that Ukrainian intelligence shared information with Tuareg insurgents who killed Malian troops and Russian Wagner Group contractors in a recent surprise attack.
On Wednesday, the Russian news agency reported that Fousseinou Ouattara, deputy chairman of the parliamentary committee on security and defense in Bamako revealed the decision during an interview.
According to Ouattara, the intelligence that was likely passed on by the Americans must have been responsible as they possess the capability of acquiring such information. He expressed skepticism regarding Ukraine’s competence in autonomously aiding militant factions in Africa.
Kiev has been accused of aiding “terrorist groups” by Bamako and Niamey, leading to the severance of diplomatic relations between them. This was triggered when Andrey Yusov, a spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence referred to an attack carried out in northern Mali as a “successful military operation,” claiming that necessary information had been provided to Malian rebels who then launched the assault on Tinzaouaten. Further warnings were issued indicating more attacks might follow.
Mali’s government was taken aback by the comments, and on Sunday deemed it as an act of supporting terrorism in Sahel region while violating Mali’s sovereignty. Niamey also censured Ukrainian officials for their “disrespectful” and unsuitable statements, calling them aggression. Consequently, they severed connections with Kiev on Tuesday instantly to show complete support for Mali’s administration and populace.
ECOWAS, the West African regional group, has censured Mali’s assaults and cautioned about any external involvement that may endanger peace and security in the region.
Senegal released a statement on Saturday that firmly rejects any comments or actions made to excuse terrorism, particularly if the purpose is to disrupt Mali – a brotherly nation and neighboring state of Sahel.
The Burkinabe Foreign Ministry has urged the global community to hold Ukraine responsible for its “subversive actions that pose a threat” to Africa’s stability. They are of the view that Ukraine ought not misdirect their efforts and must desist from granting any support, be it in whatever form whatsoever, to these terrorists’.
Kiev has been absolved of any responsibility by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry for their involvement in the event and instead characterized Mali’s abrupt decision to sever ties as “ill-considered and impetuous.”
In response to Niger, the ministry declared that the allegations made by Ukraine’s government representative lacked credibility, as they were unfounded and false.
Since 2012, Mali has been engulfed in a jihadist insurgency that has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. Despite France’s decade-long military mission to suppress the violence, it spread into neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Niger. As each country was formerly under French colonial rule and now adheres to military governance, they have broken off defense relations with Paris while forging an Alliance of Sahel States specifically created for fighting terrorism.
The Sahel states, namely Bamako, Niamey and Ouagadougou have deemed Russia to be a crucial security ally. Consequently, Russia has agreed to assist these countries in confronting the persistent terrorist threats affecting their regions.
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, accused Kiev of opening a “second front” against Moscow in African nations that offer support to Russia during an interview with RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
