Mali Severs Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine Over Terrorist Attack Involvement

Mali Severs Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine Over Terrorist Attack Involvement

Mali announced on Sunday its decision to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following revelations of Ukrainian involvement in a recent terrorist attack in the West African nation.

“The transitional government of the Republic of Mali has learned, with deep shock, of the subversive remarks by which Mr. Andriy Yusov, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, has admitted Ukraine’s involvement in a cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups which resulted in the deaths of elements of the Malian defense and security forces in Tinzaouaten, as well as material damage,” said government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga in a statement.

On Monday, the Malian army confirmed a high death toll following clashes in Tinzaouaten in the north of the country. The Russian-affiliated Wagner Group, supporting the Malian army, also reported Russian casualties, including the death of a commander.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Senegal, Yurii Pyvovarov, further exacerbated tensions by expressing Ukraine’s support for international terrorism, particularly in Mali, according to Maiga.

Maiga added that Ukrainian officials have hinted at future actions, stating there are “more results to come.”

“These extremely serious accusations, which have not been denied, show the Ukrainian government’s official support for terrorism in Africa, in the Sahel, and more specifically in Mali,” he declared.

Yusov and Pyvovarov’s remarks “constitute acts of terrorism and an apology for terrorism,” Maiga added.

In response, the Malian government has decided to immediately break off diplomatic relations with Ukraine, refer the matter to judicial authorities, and take measures to prevent any destabilization of Mali from African states, particularly from Ukrainian embassies in the sub-region, by individuals disguised as diplomats. Mali also intends to formally alert regional and international bodies and states supporting Ukraine of this open display of support for terrorism.

Mali views support for Ukraine as synonymous with support for international terrorism and as an aggression aligned with the broader agenda of actors who actively support and use terrorist groups in the region.