KEY POINTS
- Ukraine denies supplying drones to rebels in Mali amid media reports.
- Mali severed ties with Ukraine over alleged support for Tuareg fighters.
- Russia accuses Ukraine of opening a second front in pro-Russian states.
Ukraine has denied involvement in supplying drones to rebels engaged in fighting against the Malian military and the Russian Wagner Group in northern Mali. This comes after Le Monde reported that Tuareg fighters were using Ukrainian drones with the “discreet but decisive” support of Kyiv.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry issued a statement rejecting the claims, emphasizing that the reports were unfounded. “Ukraine strongly rejects the accusations recently circulated by international media about our alleged role in supplying UAVs to the rebels in Mali,” the statement read, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles.
Tensions rise between Mali and Ukraine
Mali, a country plagued by political instability following coups in 2020 and 2021, has been battling Islamist insurgents and Tuareg rebels near its northern border with Algeria.
In August, Mali severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine following Kyiv’s comments that rebels had obtained all necessary information to launch attacks, which reportedly resulted in heavy casualties among Malian soldiers and Wagner fighters.
According to Reuters, the strained relationship between Ukraine and Mali has unfolded against the backdrop of Russia’s increasing efforts to expand its influence in Africa. Moscow, which has been deeply involved in Mali through the Wagner Group, accused Ukraine of supporting fighters in pro-Russian African states, claiming Kyiv aimed to open a “second front” against Russia.
Russia and Ukraine tensions spill into Africa
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has seen both countries extend their influence beyond Europe.
Russia has built alliances with several African nations, including Mali, where it supplies military support through the Wagner Group. However, allegations that Ukraine is aiding rebels in Mali complicate the dynamics of these alliances.
Despite Russia’s accusations, Ukraine has denied any involvement in Mali’s conflict, reiterating that its focus remains on resisting Russian aggression. Meanwhile, fighting in northern Mali continues, with both Tuareg rebels and government forces locked in heavy clashes.
