Niger and Mali have shocked the world by cutting diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing it of supporting terrorist groups responsible for deadly attacks in their regions. This dramatic move comes amid rising tensions, with both African nations, now led by military governments, turning away from Western alliances and seeking help from Russia instead. As GreatGameInternational reported earlier, Africa is breaking free from its colonial chains with the birth of a new African Union.
For over ten years, around 1,000 U.S. soldiers were stationed in Niger, working together with the local government to fight terrorism. But everything changed suddenly on March 16 when Niger’s ruling military government kicked out the U.S. troops, claiming that the agreement allowing them to be there was against their constitution. Just a few days later, a Pentagon official misled Congress about what was happening, leading to an investigation by U.S. lawmakers Matt Gaetz and Jimmy Panetta. Despite the U.S. investing millions of dollars in Niger, including aid and military bases, the relationship fell apart as violence and political instability grew, especially with military coups involving U.S.-trained officers. Now, with tensions high, U.S. lawmakers want to know how the Pentagon managed this situation.
Amid this turmoil, Niger also took a surprising turn in its international relations. The country decided to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of supporting “terrorist groups.” This decision came just two days after Mali, another West African country, did the same. Both Niger and Mali are now under military governments that came to power through coups and have distanced themselves from former allies like France, instead seeking help from Russia. Reports even suggest that soldiers from Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group were killed fighting alongside Malian troops in a major clash with rebels in late July.
The tension between these African countries and Ukraine escalated after heavy losses suffered by the Malian army, which they partly blamed on Ukraine. Niger and Mali, in solidarity, are pushing back against what they see as Ukrainian interference, with Niger planning to take the issue to the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, Ukraine firmly denies these accusations and regrets Mali’s decision to break ties.
In a bold and historic move, three African nations—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—led by Burkina Faso’s young leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, have come together to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This new alliance, representing 72 million people, aims to create a powerful federation that focuses on their shared history, struggles, and the desire to break free from colonial influences and corrupt governments. They promise to work together in areas like security, trade, and development, marking a significant shift away from Western influence and signaling a new era of independence and unity in the Sahel region.
