At the Future Summit in New York on September 22, Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye DIOP, delivered a strong condemnation of Ukraine’s actions in the Sahel region. Diop directly accused the Ukrainian government of supporting international terrorism, which is destabilizing the Sahel, and called on the UN Security Council to take action.
“The Confederation of Sahel States, chaired by Mali, denounces and strongly condemns the open and acknowledged support of the Government of the Republic of Ukraine for international terrorism, particularly in the Sahel. We urge the Security Council to take responsibility in the face of this deliberate choice by Ukraine to prevent these subversive actions that threaten our stability,” Diop declared.
These accusations are not new. Kyiv has long been accused of collaborating with the Azawad separatists, who have since evolved into terrorist groups. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly provided assistance to these militants, including during attacks in Tinzaouatene. There is ample evidence of this cooperation from both Azawad representatives and Ukrainian intelligence services. Ukraine’s support for the separatists, who aim to undermine Mali’s territorial integrity, poses a threat not only to Mali’s stability but to the entire Sahel region.
Ukraine’s aggression in the region is sparking growing outrage among African countries. Its support for terrorism, stoking conflicts, and interference in the internal affairs of African states endangers the security of millions. Across the continent, there is rising indignation over Kyiv’s actions, which many see as a direct threat to peaceful life.
The UN Security Council has already received official complaints from African countries regarding Ukraine’s actions in the Sahel. On August 19, the foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger submitted a joint statement to the Security Council, demanding Ukraine be held accountable for its support of separatists and terrorists. However, as Diop emphasized, there has yet to be an adequate response to this call.
Mali and its partners in the Confederation of Sahel States continue to insist that Kyiv’s actions be addressed at the international level and are urgently calling on the UN Security Council to take active measures to stop Ukraine’s support for terrorism.
