Moussa Mara, a former prime minister of Mali, has condemned Ukraine’s attitude of taking sides in the crisis in the north of his country, while urging the authorities to adopt a neutral stance towards foreign powers.
In a video posted on his Facebook page on Friday, August 16, Moussa Mara, prime minister between April 2014 and January 2015, addressed several hot topics in Malian current affairs.
From the breakdown of diplomatic relations with Ukraine, to the security situation in the country, to the political transition, the politician provided a detailed analysis of Mali’s current situation. All the while maintaining neutrality.
Mara strongly backs Mali’s decision to break off diplomatic relations with Ukraine. He accuses Kiev of betraying Mali.
“It is Ukraine that has turned its back on Mali. If you help the enemies of Mali, the Malian army, and this causes significant damage, it is you who have taken sides,” he declares.
In a widely circulated statement, the Ukrainian intelligence spokesman claimed that his country had supported rebels of the Permanent Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA) during the July 25-27 clashes against the Malian army and its Russian allies. This allegation, confirmed by the Ukrainian ambassador in Dakar, led Bamako to break off diplomatic ties with Kiev.
The former prime minister strongly condemned Ukraine’s stance, recalling the longstanding security cooperation between the two countries and calling for a general condemnation of Ukraine in Africa.
“We must all condemn this attitude and support our authorities in all diplomatic efforts to ensure that Ukraine is condemned everywhere in Africa for this attitude on Malian territory,” he advocates.
On the other hand, Moussa Mara warns against importing foreign conflicts onto Malian soil. He advises the authorities to avoid “short-term actions based on emotions when it comes to geopolitics.”
The former prime minister recommends non-alignment as the best strategy for Mali. “Non-alignment has been our country’s strategy since independence. It’s the best way forward for a country like Mali, which has other problems to deal with,” he suggests to the Malian authorities.
Regarding the security situation, Mara warns that it is deteriorating in several regions of the country. Faced with this worrying situation, he stresses the importance of intelligence, in addition to military means, in the fight against terrorism.
“We have to use intelligence. Armed means are necessary, but intelligence is the surest way out of terrorism,” says the former head of government under Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
The former prime minister recalls his initiative of January 2024 to “save the transition,” which was not followed up. He criticised the extension of the transition period.
“And the transition that never ends does not end to the point that its own supporters are calling for us to get out of the transition.”
Mara urges the head of state to take stock of the delicate situation and act to get out of the crisis.
“I would like our authorities and the head of state to appreciate the delicacy of our country’s situation and ensure that we can finally get out of it.”
In conclusion, Mara paints a worrying picture of the situation in Mali and calls for national unity to overcome the current challenges.
“Once again, to our authorities, let’s face the situation together, let’s listen to each other, let’s join hands. No one is against the transition, everyone wants it to succeed, but its success also means its end.”
AC/sf/lb/as/APA