Niger’s transitional government has severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing it of supporting international terrorism. This decision follows Ukrainian officials’ admissions of Kiev’s support for the CSP rebels during the clashes in Tinzaouatène in late July.
Niger’s move mirrors that of Mali, which had previously cut ties with Ukraine for similar reasons. Senegal and Burkina Faso also condemned statements made by Ukrainian officials Yusov and Pyvovarov, emphasizing regional unity against foreign interference.
Following the backlash, Dakar summoned the Ukrainian ambassador, leading to the deletion of his controversial Facebook post.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned any form of foreign interference in the region. Ukraine, however, has firmly denied Bamako’s allegations, refuting any support for “international terrorism.”
In its statement, the Nigerien government expressed disappointment at the “silence of African states and the African Union” on the issue.
It called on the international community to recognize what it considers an “attempt to transform the Sahel into a theater of ideological and strategic confrontation between foreign powers.”
Beyond severing diplomatic ties, Niger has announced plans to refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council, seeking a ruling on what it describes as “aggression by Ukraine and its sponsors.”
Report by Alhassan Sannusi
