In a move that has intensified diplomatic tensions, Mali has ordered Sweden’s ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours. The order came after comments made by a Swedish government official, which Mali deemed “hostile.” This latest development highlights the shifting alliances in West Africa, as countries like Mali increasingly turn away from Western support and align more closely with Russia.
The conflict began when Johan Forssell, Sweden’s minister for international development cooperation and trade, announced that Sweden would gradually end its aid to Mali. The decision was a response to Mali’s support for Russia, especially concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Forssell made it clear that Sweden could not continue to provide financial assistance to a country that backs Russia’s controversial actions in Ukraine.
Mali’s government, led by military leader Colonel Assimi Goita, was quick to react. On Friday, August 9, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Swedish ambassador to Bamako, giving him 72 hours to leave the country. The ministry cited Forssell’s comments as the reason for this drastic action, accusing Sweden of taking a hostile stance against Mali.
This diplomatic incident is not just an isolated event but part of a larger trend in the region. Over the past few years, countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been distancing themselves from traditional Western allies and growing closer to Russia. This shift is particularly evident in their military strategies and diplomatic relations.
In 2020, Mali’s military seized control of the government in a coup, aiming to restore stability in a country torn apart by violent extremist groups. However, the new government has found it increasingly difficult to manage the ongoing violence, leading to a rethinking of its alliances. While Western nations like France and Sweden have been pulling out their troops and reducing their support, Mali has been welcoming Russian assistance, including the presence of the controversial Wagner mercenary group.
Sweden’s decision to phase out aid to Mali comes after a series of strategic changes. In June 2024, Sweden announced that it would close its embassy in Bamako by the end of the year due to the worsening security situation. Instead, Sweden plans to continue supporting the region from its embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
Sweden had also been involved in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, with 220 soldiers deployed to the region in 2022. However, as the situation in Mali deteriorated, Sweden decided to withdraw its troops, a decision that followed similar actions by other European nations, including France. Despite the pullout, Sweden’s military emphasized that their operations would continue as usual until the last soldier returned home.
Mali’s growing ties with Russia are not just about receiving military support. In July 2024, Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, signed a new defense cooperation pact. This agreement, which the military leaders of these countries hailed as a significant step towards greater regional integration, effectively means that an attack on one of these countries would be considered an attack on all.
Colonel Goita has been vocal about the importance of this strengthened alliance, framing it as a necessary step to combat the ongoing violence and instability in the region. However, whether this new approach will actually lead to peace remains uncertain. The violence, fueled by extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), continues to wreak havoc on Mali, making large parts of the country ungovernable.
As Mali pushes away from Western influence and strengthens its ties with Russia, the impact of this shift on the country’s internal stability and its relations with other nations remains to be seen. The expulsion of Sweden’s ambassador is a clear sign that Mali is willing to take bold steps to assert its new foreign policy direction, even if it means losing traditional allies.
Source: Ghana Web
