In a significant geopolitical shift, Niger has officially severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following a similar action by Mali. This decision comes amid accusations against Ukraine of supporting terrorist groups involved in recent deadly clashes in Mali, where the Russian Wagner Group suffered substantial losses.
The spokesperson for Niger's military junta, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, emphasized the country's solidarity with Mali, declaring the severance of ties as an act of sovereignty. The tensions escalated after Ukrainian military intelligence hinted at providing information to rebels, leading to a devastating attack that resulted in the deaths of numerous Wagner Group members and Malian soldiers.
Ukraine has condemned these moves as hasty and rejected the accusations of supporting international terrorism. The situation has drawn the attention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has disapproved of foreign interference in the region's affairs. This diplomatic fallout highlights the increasing alignment of Niger and Mali with Russia, following the rise of military regimes in these countries.
