In a recent diplomatic development that has shaken the international scene, the government of Niger has taken the drastic step of severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine. This decision follows accusations that kyiv has provided support to terrorist groups active in the region. Tensions have reached a critical level following a significant defeat of the Malian army in recent clashes with separatists and jihadists in late July.
The spokesperson for the government of Niger has strongly and publicly accused Ukraine of supporting “terrorist groups” in the region, in reference to the violent clashes in Mali that have resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers as well as Russian mercenaries belonging to the private security group Wagner. This decision to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine was formally announced by the military junta in Niger, thus underlining their solidarity with the Malian government and its population.
Mali, meanwhile, followed suit by cutting off relations with kyiv, following comments by Ukrainian military intelligence on the clashes in northern Mali, where Tuareg rebels claimed responsibility for the deaths of many Wagner mercenaries as well as Malian soldiers. These statements caused a chain reaction in the region, with other West African countries, such as Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, strongly condemning Ukraine’s alleged involvement in the conflict in Mali.
Tensions between the countries involved escalated following televised statements by a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson suggesting that Malian rebels had obtained the information needed to carry out the attack. Ukraine, for its part, rejected allegations of support for international terrorism and expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to sever diplomatic relations by Niger and Mali, calling the reaction hasty and ill-advised.
This comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking to strengthen its support internationally, with a particular focus on strengthening its presence in the countries of the Global South. The consequences of this severance of diplomatic ties between Niger, Mali and Ukraine could have significant repercussions on the regional balance and highlight the growing complexity of international relations in an interconnected and constantly changing world.