Niger Joins Mali and Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine

Niger’s junta announced on Tuesday that it has severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine following remarks from Ukrainian officials perceived as supportive of groups involved in recent deadly clashes in neighboring Mali. This move follows Mali’s decision on Sunday to cut ties with Kyiv over similar accusations.

The controversy centres on comments made by Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, suggesting that Malian Tuareg rebels received “necessary” information to carry out an attack. The attack, which occurred in July, resulted in the deaths of at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers, marking Wagner’s heaviest defeat since their involvement began two years ago.

Also Read: Mali Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine Over Allegedly Supporting Terrorism

In a televised address, Niger’s junta spokesperson, Abdourahamane Amadou, stated that the decision to cut ties with Ukraine was made in solidarity with Mali. “We stand with the government and people of Mali in their time of need,” Amadou said, emphasising the immediate effect of the diplomatic severance.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to Niger’s announcement, as the decision was made late in the evening. However, on Monday, Ukraine condemned Mali’s decision as “short-sighted and hasty,” denying any involvement in supporting international terrorism.

The diplomatic rift began with Yusov’s remarks, which suggested Ukrainian involvement in providing crucial information to the Malian rebels. “The rebels received all the necessary information they needed, and not just the information, which allowed them to conduct a successful military operation against Russian perpetrators of war crimes,” Yusov was quoted as saying.

Further complicating the situation, Ukrainian Ambassador Yurii Pyvovarov was summoned by Senegal’s foreign minister last week over a video posted on the Ukrainian embassy’s Facebook page. In the video, Pyvovarov reportedly expressed unequivocal support for the attack in Mali, which has been condemned by multiple West African countries.

The diplomatic fallout comes at a time when Ukraine is striving to gain broader support from the Global South amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The severance of ties by both Mali and Niger underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, where alliances and international relations are being tested by conflicts and external influences.

As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the actions of both Ukraine and the West African nations involved, as well as the broader implications for regional stability and global diplomatic relations.