Bamako: The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally accused Ukraine of backing rebel groups in West Africa’s Sahel region, according to Mali’s foreign ministry. This move follows diplomatic tensions triggered by comments made by Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency.
In early August, Mali severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine after Yusov’s remarks concerning recent clashes in Mali’s north. These clashes, which occurred in late July, resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers and mercenaries from the Russian Wagner group. Shortly afterward, Niger also cut ties with Ukraine in a show of solidarity with its neighbor.
Yusov had claimed that Malian “rebels” had been provided with critical information for their operations. Mali and Niger interpreted these statements as evidence of Ukraine’s direct involvement in the conflict and accused it of supporting international terrorism.
Ukraine has consistently denied these allegations, calling them unfounded. The Ukrainian foreign ministry had not responded to requests for comment as of Wednesday. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains embroiled in intense fighting with Russia, more than two years after Moscow’s invasion.
The Tuareg rebel alliance, which operates in northern Mali, has also denied receiving support from Ukraine. Ethnic Tuareg separatists and jihadist insurgents have been active in the region, with the Tuareg claiming to have killed at least 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers during fierce fighting in July. An al-Qaeda affiliate reported killing 50 Wagner mercenaries and 10 Malian soldiers in an ambush during the same period.
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In their letter to the U.N. Security Council, the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso urged the Council to “take responsibility” for Ukraine’s alleged actions and to prevent “subversive acts” that could destabilize the region. The letter was shared on the Malian foreign ministry’s social media account and distributed to the Security Council’s 15 members on Tuesday evening.
Since their respective juntas assumed power over the past four years, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have shifted their allegiances away from traditional Western and regional allies, increasingly favoring Russia. The July attacks in Mali’s northern Kidal region, near the Algerian border, represent a significant setback for Wagner, which had been assisting the junta in combating jihadist insurgents.
The Tuareg people, indigenous to the Sahara region including parts of northern Mali, have a history of rebellion. The 2012 Tuareg-led uprising was eventually overtaken by Islamist militant groups, further complicating the conflict in the region.
