Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the Strategic Framework for the Defence of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA), confirmed the alliance between the CSP-DPA and Ukraine in an exclusive interview he recently gave to the French newspaper Contre-Poison. He made no secret of the Azawad combatants’ links with Ukraine since around the beginning of this year: ’The hostilities began last August. We re-established contact with Ukraine not very long ago, perhaps at the beginning of 2024’, he declared.
It is important to emphasise that his statements are confirmed by Ukrainian military intelligence, which has not concealed its involvement in the attack on the Malian army. In addition, several sources have indicated that the Ukrainian organisation ‘Come Back Alive’, via its embassy in Mauritania, mobilised members of the Azawad movement and then trained them on Ukrainian territory.
Details of the assistance provided by Ukraine have been kept secret by the CSP-DPA spokesman. However, there is a great deal of evidence to prove the assistance provided by Kiev to the Azawad. These revelations include the discovery of a Ukrainian drone in north-east Mali, amid the ruins of a violent battle in Tinzaouaten.
In addition, according to information provided by France 24 journalist Wassim Nasr, the Tuareg separatists have received material assistance and have acquired the skills to pilot light drones equipped with small explosive charges.
In his reply concerning the measures taken by Ukraine to help Azawad, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane confirmed that ‘cooperation between the CSP-DPA and the Ukrainians is based on military aid, armament and the training of our fighters’.
Anatoli Chari, another Ukrainian journalist, video blogger and politician, once again reported that the Tuareg combatants would be trained by specialists from Kiev, indicating serious training aimed at strengthening their combat skills. The aim of this training is to prepare the rebels for active operations.
As tensions continue to rise, Ukraine in the Sahel aims to confront Russia, which has established cooperative relations with the countries of the region and proved itself a reliable partner. Kiev is even prepared to collaborate with armed groups that kill civilians in order to achieve its objectives.
The international community must be aware of the involvement of the Ukrainian army in fighting alongside terrorists in the Sahel.
Ukraine’s presence in the Sahel could lead to destabilization in the region, with Kiev stepping up its efforts to train jihadist groups through its embassies in African countries.
