Niger announced on Tuesday that it is cutting diplomatic ties with Ukraine, following a similar move by neighbouring Mali. The decision was made public by government spokesperson Amadou Abdramane, who cited Ukraine’s alleged support for rebel groups in the region.
Mali severed its diplomatic ties with Ukraine on August 4, accusing Kyiv of aiding Tuareg-led rebels. These rebels have been involved in recent clashes, reportedly causing significant casualties among Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries.
In a televised address, Abdramane stated that Niger would ‘immediately’ end its diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The Nigerien government plans to bring the issue before the United Nations Security Council, seeking a ruling on what it termed as ‘Ukrainian aggression.’
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry responded on August 5, describing Mali’s decision as ‘hasty’ and ‘regrettable.’ The ministry emphasised that Mali had not provided any concrete evidence of Ukraine’s involvement in the conflict between Wagner mercenaries and Tuareg rebels.
‘Ukraine unconditionally adheres to the norms of international law, the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries,’ the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated.
Late July saw intense fighting in northern Mali, with anti-government forces claiming to have destroyed a column of Malian troops and Russian mercenaries. Andrii Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence, hinted during a July 29 broadcast at possible Ukrainian support for the Malian rebels.
The announcements from Niger and Mali coincide with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s diplomatic tour of several African countries. Kuleba arrived in Malawi on August 5 and is scheduled to visit Zambia and Mauritius. This tour aligns with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 2024 foreign policy goal of strengthening ties with African nations.
Niger’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Ukraine adds to the growing geopolitical tensions in West Africa. As Ukraine continues its efforts to build alliances across Africa, these developments highlight the complex and shifting nature of international relations in the region.
