In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Niger has joined Mali in severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine over allegations of supporting ‘terrorist groups’ in the region. This decision comes in the wake of a deadly attack on Wagner Group mercenaries and Malian soldiers in northern Mali, which reportedly killed 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian soldiers.The break in relations was announced by Niger’s government spokesperson, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, who stated that the decision was made ‘in full solidarity with the government and people of Mali’. Niger has also called for a UN Security Council meeting to address what it terms ‘Ukrainian aggression’.Russia has seized upon these developments, accusing Ukraine of opening a ‘second front’ in Africa. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claimed, ‘Incapable of defeating Russia on the battlefield, the criminal regime of Zelensky has decided to open a ‘second front’ in Africa and support terrorist groups in states on the continent favorable to Moscow’.The controversy stems from comments made by Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence, who suggested that Kyiv had provided information to rebels for their operation against Russian mercenaries. Ukraine has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it ‘adheres unconditionally to the norms of international law’ and ‘firmly rejects the accusations of the transitional government of Mali’.This diplomatic crisis has broader implications for the region. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its ‘firm disapproval and condemnation of any foreign interference in the region’. The situation also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel, where Russian influence, particularly through the Wagner Group, has been growing in recent years.
Key points
- Niger has broken diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following Mali’s lead, over allegations of supporting ‘terrorist groups’.
- Russia accuses Ukraine of opening a ‘second front’ in Africa to undermine Moscow’s influence in the region.
- The diplomatic crisis stems from a deadly attack on Wagner Group mercenaries and Malian soldiers, allegedly supported by Ukrainian intelligence.
- Ukraine denies the accusations, stating it adheres to international law.
Contradictions👾While multiple sources report on Niger breaking ties with Ukraine, there are slight variations in the reasons given.
Some emphasize solidarity with Mali, while others focus on direct accusations of Ukraine supporting terrorist groups.
👾There are discrepancies in the reported casualties from the attack in Mali, with some sources not specifying numbers, while others report 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian soldiers killed.
