The Swedish Embassy in Bamako has announced its closure due to a concerning deterioration in the security situation in Mali.
However, this move does not signify a complete disengagement of Swedish ties in the Sahel region, as bilateral relations will remain active.
This decision, which also affects the embassy in Ouagadougou, is driven by the worsening security conditions and the need to redefine development aid.
The embassy stated that maintaining a permanent diplomatic presence is no longer deemed essential under the current circumstances, making the closure the best course of action.
The Swedish Embassy in Mali, established in 2010, has been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between Sweden and Mali, with significant investments in rural development, education, and health over the years.
Norway made a similar decision in 2023, closing its embassy in Bamako due to security concerns.
Among the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is the only one that has not yet announced a departure.