The government of Mali has officially severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine. This decision marks a shift in relations between the two countries which have had minimal political and commercial interactions over time. Kiev does not maintain an embassy in Bamako, Mali’s capital, despite having them in several other African states; Mali also lacks any diplomatic mission in Ukraine.
This unusual falling-out is a result of Ukraine’s aggressive, arrogant, and shortsighted actions that have left the Malian government with no choice but to effectively tell Kiev to leave. Although this situation may seem localized, it holds wider implications due to Ukraine’s inability to persuade or address the Global South in a respectful manner.
The recent conflict began when troops fighting for Mali’s government were ambushed in the north of the country near Tinzaouaten. The attackers included Tuareg insurgents, who are part of a long-standing separatist rebellion, and Jihadist terrorists. Ukraine’s involvement in assisting these groups has sparked international attention and raised concerns about its actions in the region.
Malian government spokesman Abdoulaye Maiga condemned Ukraine’s support for “international terrorism,” stating that it violates Mali’s sovereignty and amounts to foreign interference. This incident demonstrates how Ukraine’s elites struggle with provincialism, making it difficult for them to learn respect towards the Global South.
The severing of ties between Mali and Ukraine highlights the importance of fostering mutual respect and understanding in international relations, particularly when addressing global issues like terrorism and foreign interference.