Mali Cuts Ties with Ukraine Following Rebel Attack

Mali announced on Sunday that it is severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine, a decision that follows a recent attack by rebels in the country that resulted in numerous casualties among Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries. The Malian government has declared that any support for Ukraine will henceforth be considered support for international terrorism.

In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry criticized Mali’s move as “short-sighted and hasty.” The Ukrainian officials rejected the claim of supporting terrorism, asserting that Ukraine upholds international law and the sanctity of state borders. They condemned Mali’s decision, stating it was made without a thorough investigation into the northern Mali incident.

The situation involves complex dynamics, with some evidence suggesting Ukrainian involvement in the attack near the village of Tinzaouatène on the Algeria-Mali border. An unverified photo circulating online shows Tuareg fighters displaying a Ukrainian flag. Additionally, a representative from Ukrainian military intelligence, Andriy Yusov, previously indicated on television that Ukraine had assisted the Tuareg rebels with strategic information for their military operations against Russian forces.

Yusov also hinted at further Ukrainian operations in Africa, suggesting that the dominance of Russian private military companies on the continent is being challenged. According to Tuareg separatists, the clashes that occurred in late July resulted in the deaths of 84 Russian mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers, marking some of the heaviest Russian losses in West Africa. Wagner-affiliated sources also reported over 80 casualties, underscoring the severity of the conflict.

In addition to the fighting between Tuareg rebels and Russian mercenaries, the Islamist group GSIM, which is allied with al-Qaeda, also targeted a convoy during the same period. It remains unclear if there was any collaboration between the Tuareg and the Islamist militants.

The fallout from the attack has affected regional diplomacy. Senegal, a neighboring country, reacted by summoning the Ukrainian ambassador after a video from the Ukrainian embassy appeared to support the rebels. Senegal’s foreign ministry has denounced any propaganda that endorses terrorism.

In the wake of these events, the Malian military, with support from Burkina Faso, conducted airstrikes on illegal gold mining sites in the region, resulting in approximately 50 casualties. This action further complicates the situation on the ground and highlights the escalating tensions.

Amid these developments, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Russian government reiterated its support for Mali, as well as for Burkina Faso and Niger, both of which are governed by military regimes following recent coups.

This diplomatic rift underscores the ongoing complexities of regional conflicts and international alliances in West Africa, with Mali’s decisive action against Ukraine reflecting broader geopolitical struggles involving global and regional powers.