In a move escalating tensions in the already volatile Sahel region, the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally accused Ukraine of backing rebel groups in West Africa. The accusations were brought to the U.N. Security Council in a letter, denouncing what they described as Ukraine’s involvement in destabilizing the region, according to a statement from Mali’s foreign ministry.
The diplomatic fallout began in early August when Mali severed ties with Ukraine following comments by Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. Yusov had referenced recent clashes in Mali’s north, which resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries. He noted that Malian “rebels” had received critical intelligence to carry out a “successful military operation.”
Mali and Niger interpreted these remarks as an explicit admission of Ukraine’s direct involvement in the conflict, prompting accusations of supporting international terrorism. Days later, Niger followed Mali’s lead, cutting diplomatic ties with Ukraine in a show of solidarity.
Ukraine has repeatedly denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless and untrue. As of Wednesday, Ukraine’s foreign ministry had not responded to requests for comment, with the country still embroiled in its ongoing war with Russia, more than two years after Moscow’s invasion.
Complicating the situation further, a Tuareg rebel alliance in Mali’s north also denied receiving any assistance from Ukraine. Ethnic Tuareg separatists, alongside jihadist insurgents, are active in the region. The Tuareg claimed to have killed 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers during intense fighting in July. Meanwhile, an al Qaeda affiliate separately reported killing 50 Wagner mercenaries and 10 Malian soldiers in an ambush during the same period.
In their letter to the U.N. Security Council, the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso called on the international body to “take responsibility” for Ukraine’s actions and to prevent further “subversive acts” that could threaten both regional and continental stability.
The letter, which was shared on the Malian foreign ministry’s social media platforms, was reportedly circulated to the 15-member Security Council late Tuesday. Diplomats have expressed concern over the rising influence of Russia in the region, as the three countries have increasingly distanced themselves from traditional Western and regional allies since their military governments took power in recent years.
The July attacks in Mali’s northern Kidal region, near the Algerian border, are seen as a significant setback for Wagner, marking what could be their heaviest defeat since intervening two years ago to support Mali’s military against jihadist insurgents.
