John AdoyiIn what seems like a solidarity move, the government of Niger Republic has announced that it is severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine. This comes in response to comments made by a top Ukrainian official, suggesting that Ukraine provided support to rebels in neighboring Mali. These rebels were involved in a deadly battle with Malian troops and Wagner Mercenaries in late July, resulting in one of the heaviest defeats for the army, with scores of troops killed.
“The Government of the Republic of Niger, in full solidarity with the Government and people of Mali, has decided, relying on its sovereignty, to sever diplomatic relations between the Republic of Niger and Ukraine. This decision comes into force immediately,” stated government spokesman Abdourahamane Amadou during a televised address on Tuesday night.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrimebusiness.africa earlier reported that the controversy erupted after Andrey Yusov, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate, claimed on state television that Malian rebels “received all the necessary information they needed” to defeat Russian mercenaries fighting alongside Malian troops. This comment spurred Mali to sever ties with Ukraine, accusing the European nation of aiding the rebels against its government.
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The rebels earlier reported that they killed at least 47 Malian troops and 84 Wagner mercenaries, marking arguably the heaviest defeat the Russian mercenary group has faced in its two-year involvement in Mali. The Wagner Group has been providing military assistance to the Malian government, aligning with Russia’s growing influence in Africa. Russia remains a crucial ally for the governments of Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, and Mali since the trio expelled troops of the United States and France.
In response to Mali’s announcement, the Ukrainian government vehemently denied the accusations. “Ukraine unconditionally adheres to the norms of international law, the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, and resolutely rejects the accusations of the Transitional Government of Mali of alleged support of international terrorism,” read a statement from the Ukrainian government, which also criticized Mali’s decision as “short-sighted and hasty.”
Experts are predicting that Burkina Faso might take similar decision given the close relationship it has with Mali and Niger Republic as they have formed a confederation called The Alliance of Sahel States (AES/ASS) after the trio said they won’t return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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