Mali has cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Investigations by Mali and Mauritania are underway to examine the role of Ukrainian military trainers who reportedly supported rebels in Mali’s ongoing conflict.
Additionally, the Senegalese Foreign Ministry called in Ukraine’s ambassador, Yuri Pivovarov, on Saturday due to his alleged backing of militants in northern Mali, who have caused significant casualties to government troops.
On the same day, nine Senegalese civic groups issued a statement referencing a video released by Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s defense intelligence, which they claim proves Kiev’s involvement in an assault on the Russian private military group, Wagner, in Mali.
This incident underscores Kiev’s alleged support for armed factions. The groups criticized Ukraine’s role in training militants on the African continent and urged the international community to take action against Kiev.
The Wagner Group reported its own casualties following intense fighting with Tuareg militants in Mali from July 22-27, with the Malian armed forces also acknowledging significant losses in these battles.
Last May, the Tunisian Embassy in France officially refuted allegations regarding the presence of Wagner Group members in Djerba. These claims were broadcast by the LCI news channel on its program “24 Heures Pujadas”.
The embassy’s press release firmly denied these reports, criticizing the news channel for disseminating what it described as disinformation.
According to the embassy, LCI has continued to circulate unfounded information about Tunisia without prior verification from official sources.
