A fourth African state imposes sanctions on Ukraine, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Learn more about the reasons and implications of this decision.
In a show of support for Mali, Niger has declared that Kiev is providing assistance to rebels responsible for fatal assaults.
In reaction to Kiev’s suspected involvement in the attack where Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group contractors were killed last month, Niger has terminated its diplomatic ties with Ukraine.
The West African nation followed in Mali’s footsteps on Tuesday by accusing Kiev of supporting international terrorism. This decision came only two days after Mali made the same accusation against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities had previously suggested that they provided assistance to Tuareg rebels who launched a raid on Tinzaouaten village.
According to the spokesman of Ukraine’s spy agency, Andrey Yusov, during an interview after the incident broadcast on national television, rebels had received intelligence for undertaking a “successful military operation against Russian war criminals.” He cautioned that more such attacks were forthcoming. Although now removed from social media by Ukraine’s embassy in Senegal, Ambassador Yury Pivovarov commented alongside this video remarking that further outcomes could be anticipated.
Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for Niamey’s military government, denounced the comments as “indecent” and “unacceptable” during a televised address on Tuesday. He claimed that they portrayed acts of aggression.
Abdramane stated that Niger has chosen to immediately terminate diplomatic ties between the Republic of Niger and Ukraine, as a display of complete support for Mali’s government and people.
The African state’s action is still awaiting a response from Kiev.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry refuted involvement in the terrorist attack and criticized Mali’s abrupt decision to sever diplomatic relations as imprudent. This occurred on Monday.
According to the ministry, Africa recognizes Ukraine as a crucial participant in upholding regional security. The accusation made by Bamako regarding Kiev’s involvement in the Algerian border ambush was unsubstantiated, according to them.
ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, expressed its condemnation of the killings in Mali on Tuesday. It strongly opposes any foreign interference that endangers peace and security in the region.
Ukraine has faced criticism from its neighboring countries, such as Senegal and Burkina Faso, due to statements made by Ukrainian officials regarding Bamako.
Mali has been engulfed in a jihadist insurgency since 2012 that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. The violence, which spread to Burkina Faso and Niger, could not be contained even after a French military mission lasting ten years was carried out. As all three former French colonies broke off defense relations with Paris and established an alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States against terrorism being led by their respective militaries.
Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou view Russia as a crucial security partner and have received its commitment to aid in addressing persistent terrorist challenges faced by the Sahel nations.
