Niger has severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, signalling a growing divide between some West African nations and Kyiv. This move by Niger’s military government was made in “solidarity” with neighbouring Mali, which cut its own ties with Ukraine just two days prior.
Both Niger and Mali cited comments made by a Ukrainian military official suggesting that Kyiv had a role in the killing of dozens of Malian soldiers last month. Ukraine has been actively seeking allies in Africa during its ongoing war with Russia, likely aiming to counter Moscow’s increasing influence on the continent.
In late July, scores of Malian soldiers and mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group were killed in clashes with separatist rebels and al-Qaeda-linked militants. Mali’s military regime, which had turned to Wagner for support in 2021 to address its security issues, reacted strongly after Wagner confirmed losses in the attack. Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukrainian military intelligence, said the rebels received “the necessary information they needed” to conduct the attacks, though he did not provide further details.
In response to Yusov’s comments, Mali accused Ukraine of violating its sovereignty and immediately severed relations with Kyiv. Following Mali’s lead, Niger cut ties on Tuesday, with government spokesman Amadou Abdramane calling Yusov’s remarks “unacceptable.”
Senegal also rebuked Ukraine, with the country’s foreign ministry summoning Ukraine’s ambassador, Yurii Pyvovarov, over a since-deleted video on the Ukrainian embassy’s Facebook page that allegedly supported the July attack in Mali.
While Ukraine’s foreign ministry has not yet commented on Niger’s decision, it described Mali’s actions as “short-sighted and hasty,” asserting that Ukraine “unconditionally” complies with international law and accusing Russian-controlled entities of committing “numerous war crimes” in Africa.
Russia weighed in on the escalating situation, accusing Ukraine of opening a “second front” in Africa. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, “The regime of [Ukrainian President] Zelensky is pandering to terrorist groups in countries on the continent friendly to Moscow.”
Recent years have seen Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso undergo coups, with their new military governments favoring military assistance from Russia over defense agreements with France and the US. As Russia’s influence in Africa grows, Ukraine has been working to strengthen its ties with African nations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is currently on his fourth visit to Africa in two years, this time visiting Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius.
It remains uncertain whether other West African countries will follow Niger and Mali in cutting ties with Ukraine. Many are watching Burkina Faso closely, as it formed a bloc with Niger and Mali earlier this year and is also under military rule.
The Ukraine-Russia war has far-reaching impacts beyond West Africa. In Sudan, Wagner is reportedly backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in its year-long conflict with the Sudanese army. Unverified videos circulating online show what are purported to be Ukrainian special forces conducting drone strikes and other attacks against RSF and Wagner fighters in Sudan.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, more than 70 mourners gathered to honor the Wagner fighters killed in the July attack. According to Reuters, red carnations were laid below pictures of the fallen fighters at a memorial on Sunday, with some attendees lighting candles.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to play out on African soil, the diplomatic landscape in West Africa remains in flux, with potential implications for international relations and regional stability.
