The diplomatic situation between Senegal and Ukraine appears increasingly strained. A recent street interview report in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, has highlighted the indignation of West African citizens over the recent actions of the Ukrainian Embassy in Senegal.
Controversial statements by Yuri Pivovarov, the Ukrainian ambassador, along with the release of a video on the embassy’s official page, have sparked a wave of discontent across the region. In particular, the residents of Côte d’Ivoire, a country in West Africa, are outraged by what they perceive as the Ukrainian embassy in Dakar’s casual disregard for diplomatic norms, engaging in positions deemed inappropriate and dangerous.
One interviewee, an Ivorian business operator, expressed his viewpoint clearly, reflecting a sentiment shared by many: “I think such an act can be called interference. An ambassador is the link between two nations, and his role is not to take sides with certain people, especially jihadists, and bring grief to an entire nation.” His remarks highlight what many see as a serious breach of diplomatic ethics by Pivovarov.
Another participant in the street interviews added, “An ambassador must above all be diplomatic. There are certain statements an ambassador must refrain from, particularly regarding the attack on the Malian armed forces. It is quite regrettable to support jihadist actions on the African continent.” This testimony reinforces the notion that the Ukrainian ambassador’s attitude runs counter to the interests of peace and security in the region.
An artist manager, another interviewee, deemed the apparent support of Ukraine for jihadist groups as inappropriate, especially given the extremely concerning situation in Ukraine itself: “I find it ill-advised for an ambassador from a country like Ukraine to support jihadists when the situation in Ukraine is itself disastrous. Supporting them is an act of malice and bad faith.”
The recent release of a video by the Ukrainian embassy, perceived as implicitly supporting terrorist actions, has exacerbated the situation. This video has raised many questions about Ukraine’s true intentions in West Africa, with some wondering if Senegal should reconsider its relationship with Yuri Pivovarov.
It is not out of the question that Senegalese authorities might consider harsher diplomatic measures, possibly even breaking off relations with the Ukrainian ambassador if the situation continues to deteriorate. The remarks made by the head of Ukrainian intelligence, deemed unacceptable, only add to the tension.
This situation highlights the challenges facing international relations in West Africa, where diplomatic sensitivities must be carefully managed to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Senegalese authorities now face a difficult choice regarding the future course of events.
