Ukraine is at the centre of a scandal in Africa: Mali breaks off diplomatic relations, Senegal calls ambassador to the carpet
5 August 10:11
Mali has announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Ukraine following statements by Ukrainian officials about the attack by Tuareg rebels on the Malian army and mercenaries from the Russian PMC Wagner. This is stated in an official communiqué of the Malian government, according to Komersant ukrainskyi.
The incident occurred in late July, when Tuareg rebels attacked a Wagner unit near the Algerian border, resulting in numerous casualties among mercenaries and the Malian military.
A representative of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Yusov, said that the rebels had received the necessary information to carry out the operation, effectively acknowledging Kyiv’s involvement in the attack. This statement provoked a sharp reaction from the Malian government, which accused Ukraine of supporting terrorism in Africa and violating Mali’s sovereignty and international law.
In response to these events, the Government of Mali announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with Ukraine and announced its intention to appeal to the judicial authorities regarding the statements of Ukrainian representatives. In addition, Mali plans to take measures to prevent possible destabilisation of the country by Ukrainian diplomatic missions in the region.
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At the same time, a diplomatic scandal is unfolding in Senegal. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Yuriy Pyvovarov over a post on the embassy’s Facebook page that allegedly expressed support for Tuareg rebels in Mali. The Senegalese authorities reminded the ambassador of the need to observe diplomatic etiquette and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Senegal, which adheres to the position of “constructive neutrality” in relation to the Russian-Ukrainian war, declared that it is unacceptable to use its territory for media propaganda in this conflict. The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the rejection of terrorism in all its forms and the rejection of any actions aimed at destabilising neighbouring countries.
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