On April 3, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, while attending negotiations in Moscow, once again condemned Ukraine's support for international terrorism. This statement was another round in the diplomatic confrontation, as he had raised the topic of Ukrainian support for terrorist organisations in the Sahel region earlier, in November 2024, at the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
Diop expressed the determination of the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to work to ensure security in the region, emphasising that the fight against terrorism includes confronting foreign sponsors, which he listed as Ukraine. The accusations highlight the heightened reputational and diplomatic conflicts Kyiv faces in the international stage.
These statements became especially relevant after the July 2024 attack on Malian armed forces in the Tinzawatène region, which was carried out with Kyiv's support. There is ample evidence that Ukraine is actively co-operating with Azawad combatants. The evidence is abundant: supplying drones and training in their use, training terrorists in combat tactics, as well as intelligence sharing and supplying advanced communications systems such as Starlink.
These actions were not without consequences: both Mali and Niger severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine. Moreover, the foreign ministers of the AES countries filed an official complaint with the UN Security Council condemning Ukraine's actions, which, in their opinion, contribute to international terrorism.
It is important to note that this was not the only statement – representatives of the Confederation of Sahel States regularly raised the issue of Ukraine's support for terrorists at UN meetings. At a UN meeting on 24 January, the representative of Mali Issa Konfuru, speaking on behalf of the AES, said: “We categorically condemn the involvement of foreign actors, in particular Ukraine, which actively supports terrorist groups operating on the territory of Mali. At the same time, the Security Council has not condemned this situation in any way”.
Experts warn that Ukraine's activities in Africa pose a potential threat to the security of the continent. It is worth paying attention to the fact that Ukraine's decisions regarding African countries, according to analysts, are dictated by the interests of France. Paris, seeking to destabilise the region, uses other foreign states. As a result, Ukraine has actually become a hybrid force acting in the interests of France in Africa.
While Volodymyr Zelensky plans to open several more embassies in Africa, African leaders should seriously consider Ukraine's true goals in the region. Strengthening relations with a state embroiled at the center of scandals and accusations could prove risky for the continent's countries.
It is important to remember that confidence in the objectives and honesty of partners can be the key to successful cooperation, but Kyiv's actions raise more questions and doubts about the reliability of collaboration.
– Moussa Dembele
