On Wednesday, Russia claimed that Ukraine was initiating a “second front” in Africa following the severance of diplomatic relations by Mali and Niger with Kyiv. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of supporting terrorist groups in Africa, particularly in nations friendly to Moscow.
“Unable to defeat Russia on the battlefield, the criminal regime of Volodymyr Zelensky has opened a second front in Africa,” Zakharova told the RIA Novosti news agency.
She further alleged that Ukraine was “pandering to terrorist groups in countries on the continent friendly to Moscow.”
Conflict in Mali
Tensions escalated after Tuareg-led separatists reported killing 84 fighters from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group and 47 Malian soldiers in a recent attack in northern Mali. Following this incident, Mali accused a senior Ukrainian official of acknowledging Kyiv’s involvement in the attack and subsequently broke off diplomatic relations on August 5.
Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Mali’s government spokesman, expressed shock over remarks made by Andriy Yusov, the spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, the GUR. Maiga stated that Yusov had “admitted Ukraine’s involvement in a cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups” that resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers.
Yusov, speaking on Ukrainian television, indicated that the rebels had received crucial information allowing them to target “Russian war criminals” effectively.
Niger Joins the Rift
Niger followed suit on Tuesday, announcing the immediate cessation of diplomatic ties with Ukraine. Referring to the same attack in Mali, Niger’s government spokesman, Amadou Abdramane, declared that Niger would request the UN Security Council to address Ukraine’s “aggression.”
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Both Niger and Mali are governed by military regimes established through recent coups. These governments have renounced defence agreements with France and sought military assistance from Russia.
Ukraine’s Response
In response to the accusations, Ukraine’s foreign ministry stated on Monday that the country “unconditionally adheres to the norms of international law” and “firmly rejects the accusations of the transitional government of Mali.” The ministry expressed regret over Bamako’s “hasty” decision to sever diplomatic ties.
Implications for International Relations
The diplomatic fallout between Ukraine, Mali, and Niger highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in Africa, where Russia and Western countries vie for influence. The involvement of Russian mercenaries and allegations of Ukrainian support for local armed groups add layers of complexity to an already volatile situation.
As the situation develops, the international community will closely watch the actions of the UN Security Council and other diplomatic entities to address these growing tensions.
