Sahel military writes to UN on supporting Azawadis against Ukraine
Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the military councils of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council condemning what they described as “Ukraine’s support for rebel groups in the Sahel region of West Africa.”
Mali severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine in early August due to statements made by Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Ukrainian intelligence agency, regarding the fighting in northern Mali that resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers and mercenaries from the Russian private military group Wagner in late July. Niger’s military government followed Mali’s example a few days later in solidarity with its neighbor.
Yusov stated that the Malian “rebels” had received the necessary information “to carry out a successful military operation.” Mali and Niger interpreted Yusov’s statements as a direct admission by Ukraine of its involvement in the conflict and accused it of supporting international terrorism.
Ukraine has consistently claimed that these accusations are baseless and do not reflect reality. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. The Tuareg rebel alliance also stated that it had received no support from Ukraine.
The Azawadis claimed to have killed at least 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian soldiers during several days of intense fighting in July.
Separately, a branch of Al-Qaeda claimed to have killed 50 Wagner mercenaries and ten Malian soldiers in an ambush on one of these days.
Editorial Team ✍🏼
