Mali Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine Over Allegations of Involvement in Deadly Clashes
Mali has announced the cutting of diplomatic relations with Ukraine following accusations that Kyiv played a role in deadly fighting near the Algerian border last month. The conflict resulted in the deaths of dozens of Malian soldiers and mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group during clashes with Tuareg separatist rebels and fighters linked to al-Qaeda.
The tension escalated after Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukrainian military intelligence, suggested that the rebels had been provided with the “necessary information” to carry out the attacks. In response, a top Malian official, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, condemned Ukraine for allegedly violating Mali’s sovereignty and accused them of involvement in the attacks.
Colonel Maiga’s statement described Yusov’s comments as an admission of Ukraine’s role in a “cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric attack” that led to the deaths of Malian soldiers. As a result, Mali has decided to sever ties with Ukraine immediately.
The recent clashes took place in the desert near Tinzaouaten, a town on Mali’s northeastern border with Algeria. Reports indicate that Malian and Russian forces were ambushed by Tuareg rebels and fighters from the al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin while awaiting reinforcements after retreating from Tinzaouaten.
Although exact figures have not been disclosed, the estimated death toll for Wagner fighters ranges from 20 to 80. This incident marks one of the heaviest losses suffered by the Russian mercenary group in Mali since its involvement in assisting the military government in combating insurgents two years ago.
The conflict in Mali dates back to a Tuareg rebellion over a decade ago, which led to the central government losing control of much of the north. The situation was further complicated by the involvement of Islamist militants in the conflict. Following coups in 2020 and 2021, the military junta cited the government’s inability to address the unrest as a reason for seizing power.
In an attempt to restore stability, the new junta severed Mali’s longstanding alliance with former colonial power France in favor of forging closer ties with Russia. The decision to break off diplomatic relations with Ukraine underscores the complexity of the geopolitical dynamics at play in Mali’s ongoing struggle for peace and security.
