By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Niger’s military junta has cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following Mali’s recent move. Both nations reacted to Ukrainian military intelligence comments hinting at Kyiv’s involvement in an attack that killed Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries.
Mali accused Ukraine of violating its sovereignty and broke off relations “with immediate effect,” while Niger condemned the comments as “unacceptable.” Russia accused Ukraine of supporting terrorist groups in Africa, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova saying, “The regime of [Ukrainian President] Zelensky is pandering to terrorist groups.”
Ukraine’s foreign ministry responded, stating it “unconditionally complies with international law” and accused Russian-controlled outfits of “numerous war crimes” in African countries. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is on his fourth visit to Africa in two years, aiming to strengthen ties with nations like Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius.
Read more on BBC Africa.
