John AdoyiThe transition government in Mali has announced that it will cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine.
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Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis followed remarks by the Ukrainian military intelligence that implicated Ukraine in a deadly clash involving Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries with rebels that left scores of Malian troops and Wagner Mercenaries dead.
Government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga revealed the decision in a statement, citing “subversive remarks” made by Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence. On 29 July, Yusov admitted to Ukraine’s involvement in an attack orchestrated by “armed terrorist groups” against the Malian defense forces in Tinzaoutene, a town in northeastern Mali. The clash resulted in the death of several Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries, who have been fighting alongside Malian troops.
Mali’s government expressed profound shock at Yusov’s comments, which they described as an admission of Ukraine’s involvement in a “cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric” attack. According to Maiga, the Ukrainian official’s acknowledgment of providing intelligence that facilitated the attack on Malian and Russian forces prompted the immediate decision to cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine. Which government spokesperson said will take effect immediately.
The Malian government, led by a transitional administration following the ouster of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in 2020, has been realigning its foreign policy towards Russia. This shift included expelling French troops and embracing Russian support, with Wagner mercenaries becoming a key element in Mali’s security operations. The transition government has positioned itself as a counterbalance to Western influence, further deepening ties with Russia in the wake of strained relations with former allies like France.
