Mali has severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine following allegations that Kyiv was involved in deadly clashes near the Algerian border last month.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the fighting, which lasted several days, resulted in significant casualties among Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group.
The violence, occurring near Tinzaouaten on July 25, involved Tuareg separatists and fighters from the al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin.
Reports suggest the Malian and Wagner forces were ambushed while waiting for reinforcements after a retreat. Wagner has confirmed heavy losses, with estimates ranging from 20 to 80 dead, marking one of their worst setbacks in Mali.
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Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov had claimed that the rebels were provided with “necessary information” for their attacks. This assertion prompted a strong reaction from Mali.
Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga condemned Ukraine’s alleged involvement, describing it as a breach of Mali’s sovereignty and labeling the attacks as “cowardly and barbaric.”
Mali’s government has responded by cutting off all diplomatic relations with Ukraine “immediately.” The decision follows the admission by Mali’s military of “significant” losses during the skirmishes.
Wagner reported that one of their commanders was killed and a Russian helicopter was downed in what they described as intense combat involving around 1,000 fighters.
The Tuareg separatists, who had previously rebelled against the central government, claimed responsibility for killing 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. This turmoil has its roots in the ongoing struggle for control in northern Mali, exacerbated by Islamist militant involvement.
The recent military junta, which came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021, has shifted Mali’s alliances from France to Russia in an effort to stabilize the region.
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