The group, affiliated with the Front for the Withdrawal of French Military Bases, demanded the expulsion of the Ukrainian ambassador over his support for recent attacks on the Malian army.
The incident sparked widespread online debate, with Russian media outlets amplifying the story. Opposition politician Thierno Alassane Sall condemned the arrests, arguing for the right to peaceful protest.
The Ukrainian ambassador has faced criticism for publicly supporting Ukrainian military intelligence’s involvement in the attacks on Malian rebels. Senegal’s foreign ministry summoned the ambassador and expressed solidarity with Mali. Mali subsequently severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, citing the ambassador’s statements as a primary reason.
Amid rising tensions, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko visited Mali to de-escalate the situation and urged both countries to prioritize bilateral relations over emotional responses.
The incident highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, as well as the challenges faced by Senegal in balancing its relations with Mali, Ukraine, and Russia.
ODL/Sf/ac/fss/abj/APA