Written By Lisa Murimi
Mali has announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with Ukraine following allegations of Kyiv’s involvement in recent deadly clashes near the Algerian border.
The conflict, which erupted on July 25 near Tinzaouaten, resulted in significant casualties among Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group.
Malian officials, led by Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, have reacted strongly to statements made by Andriy Yusov, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson.
Yusov suggested that Tuareg separatist rebels, who clashed with Malian and Wagner forces, received crucial information from Ukraine. Maiga condemned the remarks as a violation of Mali’s sovereignty, labeling the alleged involvement as “cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric.”
The fighting, which involved Tuareg rebels and fighters from the al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, saw a high number of casualties.
Estimates suggest Wagner’s losses ranged between 20 and 80 fighters, marking one of their heaviest losses in Mali since their involvement began two years ago.
Mali’s military government, which has aligned with Russia following the ousting of French forces, has faced escalating security challenges amid ongoing insurgencies and separatist movements.
