Mali severs diplomatic ties with Ukraine… accusing Kiev of supporting terrorism

The Malian government announced Sunday evening the severance of diplomatic relations between Mali and Ukraine with immediate effect, expressing surprise in a statement broadcast on state television at subversive statements admitted by Andrei Yusuf, spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence, that Ukraine was involved in a cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups that led to the death of members of the Malian defense, and security forces in Tinzaouatine, as well as material damage.

A Malian government statement added that these statements were reinforced by the position of Ukrainian Ambassador to Senegal Yurii Pyvovarov, “who openly and unambiguously demonstrated his country’s support for international terrorism, especially in Mali”.

“These extremely dangerous assertions, which haven’t been the subject of any denial or condemnation by the Ukrainian authorities, demonstrate the Ukrainian government’s clear official support for terrorism in Africa, and the Sahel region, specifically in Mali,” the statement said.

“After careful consideration of the situation, the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali confirms that the actions taken by the Ukrainian authorities violate Mali’s sovereignty, go beyond the framework of foreign intervention, which is itself reprehensible, constitutes aggression and a flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations,” the statement added.

In addition to severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine, the Malian government decided to refer the statements of Andriy Yusov and Yurii Pyvovarov, “which constitute terrorist acts and advocacy of terrorism, to the competent judicial authorities”.

The Malian government also decided to take the necessary measures to prevent any destabilization of Mali from African countries, in particular from Ukrainian embassies present in the region, with terrorists disguised as diplomats.

The Malian government noted that it had sent an official alert to regional and international bodies, as well as to States that support Ukraine, informing them that this country has publicly and clearly demonstrated its support for terrorism, and therefore Mali considers Ukraine support as support for international terrorism.

It’s worth noting that the Senegalese Foreign Ministry summoned on Saturday the Ukrainian ambassador to the country, Yurii Pyvovarov, to protest his support for the victory that Azawad armed groups recently announced against the Malian army and the Wagner group in the 3-day battles in the Tinzaouatine region near the border with Algeria.

Earlier, the permanent strategic framework for the defense of the Azawad people announced a new toll of the battles of Tinzaouatine, stressing that its forces killed 84 Wagner elements, and 47 members of the Malian armed forces, compared to 9 dead, and 12 wounded among the Azawad forces.