Niger Follows Mali’s Lead, Cuts Ties with Ukraine Over Rebel Comments
Niger has become the second African nation to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following Mali’s decision to do so over what the latter described as Ukrainian “aggression” against it, as per media reports.
“Considering the seriousness of the situation and Ukraine’s recognized and alleged involvement in the aggression against Mali, the government of the Republic of Niger, in full solidarity with the government and people of Mali, is taking… the following measures: first, the immediate severance of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Niger and Ukraine, and second, an appeal to the UN Security Council to make a decision regarding the aggression by Ukraine and its sponsors,” Niger’s government spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane said on national television.
The move comes as a response to Ukraine’s military spy agency regarding fighting in northern Mali, where Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed at least 84 mercenaries of the Russian-affiliated PMC Wagner, as well as 47 Malian soldiers.
Mali condemned Ukraine’s support for the Tuareg rebels as “support for international terrorism” and an act of aggression. The statement came amid Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s tour across Africa, scheduled to end on August 8.
Kuleba is set to visit Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius, where he will meet with heads of state and counterparts.
The recent diplomatic spat comes at a time when Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have announced the formation of a joint military force to combat growing security challenges posed by terrorist groups.
