Following in Mali’s footsteps, Niger has severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accusing the eastern European country of supporting international terrorism.
The decision comes in the wake of Ukrainian officials’ acknowledgement that Kiev had supported the CSP rebels during the clashes in Tinzaouatene at the end of July.
In the early evening of Tuesday 06 August, the government of Niger announced that it was severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following in Mali’s lead.
The government of Niger expressed its “great shock” and “deep indignation” at the statements made by Andrew Yusov, spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, and Yurii Pyvovarov, the Ukrainian ambassador to Senegal.
Yusov claimed in an interview with Ukrainian media that Kiev had provided information to the rebels of the Permanent Strategic Framework for the Defence of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA) during clashes with the Malian army and its Russian allies Wagner in Tinzaouatene, between 25 and 27 July.
Diplomat Pyvovarov relayed these comments on the Facebook page of the Ukrainian embassy in Dakar.
The statements, perceived as support for the armed groups that attacked the Malian armed forces (FAMas) in Tinzaouatene, were described as “subversive and unacceptable” by Niamey.
Niger’s decision follows that of Mali, which had previously severed relations with Ukraine for similar reasons. Senegal and Burkina Faso had also condemned the remarks made by Yusov and Pyvovarov, emphasising regional unity in the face of what they perceived as foreign interference.
Dakar had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador, after which his Facebook post was deleted.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned all forms of foreign interference in the region.
Faced with these accusations, Ukraine firmly challenged Bamako’s allegations, denying any backing for “international terrorism.”
In its statement, the Nigerian government also expressed its disappointment at the “silence of African states and the African Union” on this issue.
It called on the international community to become aware of what it saw as an “attempt to transform the Sahel into
a theatre of ideological and strategic confrontation between foreign powers.”
In addition to severing diplomatic relations, Niger announced its intention to refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council to rule on what it described as “Ukrainian aggression and its sponsors.”
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA