Mali has announced that it is breaking diplomatic relations with Ukraine following allegations that Kyiv may have played a role in a deadly attack in the northern Kidal region at the end of July, which resulted in the deaths of numerous Malian soldiers. The separatist Tuareg rebels responsible for the attack claimed to have killed both Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group fighters.
The diplomatic row began when a representative from Ukraine’s military intelligence disclosed that the rebels had the “necessary information” to carry out the attack. Although he did not directly accuse Ukraine of involvement, his statement raised fears that the war between Russia and Ukraine could spill over into Africa.
Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, spokesperson for Mali’s government, stated that the country was “deeply shocked” by the Ukrainian claims. He accused Ukraine of “violating Mali’s sovereignty” by supporting an action he described as “failed, treacherous, and barbaric.”
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry characterized Mali’s decision as “hasty,” emphasizing that Mali should have conducted a thorough investigation of the facts before choosing to sever relations.
The reaction from neighboring Niger, a close ally of Mali, came swiftly; the country also cut its ties with Kyiv in a show of solidarity. Recently, Senegal summoned the Ukrainian ambassador following allegations that the ambassador had shared now-deleted video content supporting the attack.
Meanwhile, Russia has accused Ukraine of being “tied to terrorist groups” and of opening “a new front in Africa” amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Ryan Cummings, head of the security monitoring firm Signal Risk, described the attack as one of the most significant operations targeting Russian paramilitary forces on the African continent.
Rebels reported that approximately 47 Malian soldiers and 84 Russian mercenaries were killed in the attack. However, the Malian government has not released any official figures but confirmed that it suffered “significant losses.”
Historically, the ethnic Tuareg have accused the Malian government in Bamako of marginalization and have led separatist uprisings in northern Mali in attempts to establish an independent Azawad region. Following Mali’s break in relations with France and the expulsion of French troops, the country is now engaged in conflict with separatists in the north.
This latest diplomatic crisis has led experts to speculate whether Ukraine may have provided training to Tuareg rebels on drone operations and conducting attacks, although there is no clear evidence that Ukraine has had direct soldiers on the ground.
Analysts believe it is unlikely that Ukraine will become deeply involved in this regional conflict as it already has limited ties to West Africa and will prioritize focusing on its war against Russia. They also point out that Mali’s response is unlikely to alter its relationship with Russian forces, which the nation has increasingly leaned on politically in recent times.
The pressing question remains how the Malian government will adapt its strategy in light of the losses in the northern region as ongoing clashes with Tuareg rebel groups continue.