Official announcements from the African Union or credible news sources

Mali Cuts Ties with Ukraine, Senegal Summons Ambassador Over Tuareg Rebel Support

Aug 4, 2024, 10:19 PM

The Senegalese Foreign Ministry has summoned the Ukrainian Ambassador to Dakar following Ukraine's support for the Tuareg rebels who attacked the Wagner PMC in Tinzaouaten, Mali. The Ukrainian embassy's Facebook page released a video supporting the attack, which resulted in the death of Russian PMC employees. Senegal's Foreign Minister condemned this show of support as propaganda. Meanwhile, Mali has announced it is severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine due to Kyiv’s support for the Tuareg rebels. Malian government spokesperson Abdulmaie Maiga labeled Ukraine as a 'sponsor of terrorism' and accused a senior Ukrainian official of admitting Kyiv’s involvement in the attack. Burkina Faso also reacted to the Ukrainian Ambassador’s video, although it did not end relations. Mali’s statement further described Ukraine as 'neo-Nazi' and 'villainous'.