Two weeks ago, GreatGameInternational revealed how Niger and Mali stunned the world by severing ties with Ukraine, accusing it of backing terrorist groups that have caused deadly attacks in their countries. This bold decision comes as both nations, now ruled by military governments, shift away from Western influence and turn to Russia for support. With Africa forging a new path towards independence and the rise of a new African Union, the Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have taken a strong step by bringing their accusations against Ukraine to the UN, claiming it is openly supporting terrorism in the Sahel region.
The contents of the letter are as follows:
“Indeed, we were unpleasantly surprised by the subversive remarks of Mr. Andry Yusov, Spokesman of the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Agency, admitting Ukraine’s involvement in the cowardly, barbaric and criminal attack, on July 24, 25 and 26, 2024, by armed terrorist groups that caused the death of elements of the Malian Defense and Security Forces in Tinzawatène, Mali, as well as significant material damage.
These statements were confirmed by Mr. Yurii Pyvovarov, Ambassador of Ukraine to Senegal, who openly and unequivocally expressed his country’s support for international terrorism, particularly in the Sahel. Worse, these senior Ukrainian officials publicly announced other “results” to come.
These statements, which are extremely serious, go beyond the scope of foreign interference, which is condemnable in itself. This is official and unequivocal support by the Ukrainian Government for terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel. These acts also constitute a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our States, a clear aggression by our countries and support for international terrorism, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant international conventions.
Therefore, we strongly condemn the aggression and the apology by the Ukrainian authorities of terrorism, which cannot be justified. We call on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities in the face of Ukraine’s deliberate choice to support terrorism, a scourge whose rejection is unanimous at the international level in all its forms and manifestations.
Stressing that the acts officially claimed by Ukraine, the aggressor State, constitute a direct threat to international peace and security, particularly those of the Sahel region and Africa, we call on the Security Council, which is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security, to take appropriate measures against these subversive actions which strengthen terrorist groups in Africa and constitute a manifestation of the involvement of foreign State sponsors in the expansion of terrorism in the region, something which our States have regularly denounced.
These acts of aggression, far from achieving their objective, on the contrary strengthen the commitment and determination of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, within the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), to continue with greater vigor their resolute march towards the strengthening of their sovereignty and taking control of their destiny, in accordance with the deep aspirations of the populations of the AES.”
Office of Information and Press/MAECI.
