Ukraine is seeking support from the Global South, but several West African states are ditching Western ties to turn to Russia. Russia has accused Ukraine of opening a “second front” in the war between them in Africa after Mali and Niger broke off diplomatic relations with Kyiv, accusing it of supporting “terrorist groups”.
Neighbouring Mali’s military government announced on Sunday that it was severing relations with Ukraine over its alleged role in an attack in which Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed dozens of Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers. Niger followed suit on Tuesday, cutting ties with Ukraine “with immediate effect”, in line with Mali’s decision.
Ukraine condemned Mali’s move as short-sighted and hasty, rejecting allegations of supporting international terrorism. The military governments of Niger and Mali, both in power after recent coups, have torn up defence agreements with France and turned to Russia for military support.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, accused Ukraine of “pandering to terrorist groups in countries on the continent friendly to Moscow”. The situation escalated with intense fighting near the Mali-Algeria border, where Tuareg separatists claimed significant casualties on both Wagner and Malian soldiers.
West African nations like Niger, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, and Liberia have criticized Ukrainian officials for their statements supporting the attack. This rift in relations and accusations of supporting terrorism are seen as a setback to Ukraine’s global support efforts as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Ukraine’s attempts to broaden its appeal in the Global South are facing challenges as more African nations turn to Russia for support.
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