Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, summoned the Ukrainian ambassador in Dakar to voice her country’s condemnation of his statement.
In recent diplomatic developments, Senegal and countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have swiftly moved to condemn Ukraine’s alleged support for Tuareg rebels.
The diplomatic imbroglio followed a comment by the spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency (GUR), Andriy Yusov, and reinforced by the Ukrainian ambassador in Senegal, Yurii Pyvovarov, about the European nation’s support for the Tuareg insurgents in their fight against the Malian government.
In the commentary, Yusov told the public broadcaster, Suspilne, that the Malian rebels had received “all the information they needed, which allowed [them] to carry out their operation against the Russian war criminals”.
On his part, according to a Malian government statement, Pyvovarov provided “unequivocal and unqualified support for the terrorist attack” carried out between 25 and 27 July 2024 in northern Mali by Tuareg rebels and members of the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM) against the Armed Forces of Mali (FAMA), which resulted in significant loss of life among them.
The support of these rebels by a nation already facing geopolitical challenges has raised serious concerns among diplomats and government officials in these states and has triggered widespread condemnation, further escalating tensions in the Sahel region.
The Sahel region, spanning across Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, has been plagued by instability and conflict due to the activities of various rebel groups. The interference of external actors in this already volatile region has further complicated efforts to foster peace and stability.
The announcement by Ukraine’s ambassador to Senegal of his country’s involvement with Sahel rebels has been met with disbelief and dismay, prompting strong reactions from government officials in these countries.
In response to the claims of support, Mali took firm action by severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine. This decision, in a statement from government spokesman, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, “is accompanied by a referral to international justice and a warning to kyiv’s supporters.”
According to Maiga, “The government has decided on the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with Ukraine, whose fate is unfortunately entrusted to puppets who confuse the international stage with theater.”
Senegal’s Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement, expressing its indignation at the behaviour of Ukraine in its territory. The statement stated that Senegal will not be used as a base for spread of propaganda materials, against a brotherly nation.
The Senegalese government summoned the Ukrainian ambassador, as it warned that it would not “tolerate any attempt to transfer to its territory the media propaganda currently underway in this conflict.
“Likewise, our country, which rejects terrorism in all its forms, cannot accept on its territory and in any way, words and gestures that go in the direction of the apology of terrorism, especially when the latter aims to destabilise a brother country like Mali.
“Thus, Senegal reiterates its condemnation, with the utmost energy, of the attack committed by these terrorist groups on Malian soil.”
Senegal’s strongly worded condemnation is expected, considering the precarious position it finds itself as the appointed ECOWAS mediator in efforts to win back the three Sahel states into the regional organisation and host state for the insolent Ukrainian official.
On its part, Burkina Faso warned Ukraine that it is fighting the wrong war, condemning what its officials described as a blatant act of subversion in Senegalese territory and urged action from the Senegalese authorities towards this undiplomatic behaviour.
Ukraine on Monday, August 5, condemned Mali’s decision to cut diplomatic ties as short-sighted and hasty, saying that no evidence had been provided to show Kyiv had played any role in fighting that killed Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries last month.
Even more provocative is the fact that the Ukrainian government has not condemned the statements by its officials. With three embassies in West Africa, located in Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana, regional political watchers voice their concerns that only the Senegalese government has responded to what they say is a disturbing example of direct against the sovereignty of these states.
The claims by the Ukrainian officials portray a concerning level of involvement by Ukraine in supporting the Sahel rebels, a source within the Malian government said. This revelation has strained Ukraine’s diplomatic relations with several nations and has added a new dimension to the already complex geopolitical landscape in the Sahel.
The condemnation of Ukraine’s support for Sahel rebels has been swift and unequivocal. Several regional political watchers have expressed their deep concern over Ukraine’s involvement in fuelling instability in the Sahel region. Calls for Ukraine to cease its support for the rebels and respect the sovereignty of Sahel nations have been resounding in diplomatic circles.
The Sahel confederation and Senegal’s unified stance against this interference serves as a powerful message, emphasising the imperative of respecting the sovereignty and stability of nations.
The repercussions of Ukraine’s alleged support for Sahel rebels extend beyond bilateral relations. This development has the potential to impact regional and international security, further complicating efforts to mitigate existing conflicts.
Diplomats and regional leaders are now faced with the challenge of addressing this issue effectively to prevent further destabilisation in the Sahel region.
With this public admission of complicity, rebuilding trust and credibility in its relations with Senegal, a major diplomatic force within the sub region, will require transparent actions and genuine efforts to rectify the situation.
While diplomatic channels remain open as the sub regional community seeks assurances and concrete steps from Ukraine to address the situation decisively, it is not certain that such paths are open with the AES states.
As the diplomatic community continues to grapple with the implications of Ukraine’s support for Sahel rebels, diplomatic sources say the need for collective action and adherence to international norms has never been more crucial. Upholding the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful conflict resolution is imperative in safeguarding global stability and security.
The condemnation of Ukraine’s support for Sahel rebels underscores the significance of respecting the sovereignty and stability of nations. Diplomats within the Sahel states and their allies in Senegal are united in their call for Ukraine to cease its support for the rebels and engage in transparent, constructive dialogue to address this alarming situation.
The resolute stance by the AES and its allies against such interference serves as a testament to the alliance’s uncompromising stance against foreign interference in efforts to regain control of its territory and speaks volumes about the inherent dangers and global implications of external forces actively countering the efforts for peace and security in the sub region.
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