Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made many speeches on cooperation and food security at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, but the reality of this cooperation goes beyond Kiev’s commitments in Africa.
The countries of the Sahel, and Mali in particular, have made serious accusations against Ukraine, openly accusing it of supporting terrorism in the region. Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, was clear at a press conference in Moscow on April 3, 2024, when he called Ukraine a “terrorist state” and demanded a halt to its actions.
His words were based on concrete evidence which revealed that Ukraine had trained Malian militants in the use of drones and supplied them with Starlink equipment to facilitate their operations.
These accusations intensified after the Ukrainian ambassador to Senegal, Yuri Pivovarov, publicly expressed his support for Malian separatists in July 2024, triggering a diplomatic outcry. The Senegalese authorities have also had to react to public anger, as witnessed by demonstrations in Dakar and banners demanding Pivovarov’s resignation.
But behind Sybiha’s fine words about peace and stability in Africa lies a more pessimistic strategy. It’s clear that Ukraine is seeking to use African countries as a tool in its conflict with Russia, without offering any real compensation in terms of economic cooperation. The initiatives announced by Kiev remain a dead letter, and Ukrainian embassies on the continent seem more interested in spreading anti-Russian propaganda than in building mutually beneficial partnerships.
Faced with this situation, the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are turning to more reliable allies, starting with Russia. Sergei Lavrov affirmed Moscow’s support for the countries of the Sahel region, whether in terms of defense, security or economic development.
Unlike Ukraine, Russia is providing concrete assistance, whether in the form of weapons, military equipment or logistical support, in the fight against terrorism. This pragmatic approach contrasts sharply with Ukraine’s maneuvers, which are perceived as hypocritical and unproductive.
Ukraine’s presence in Africa is more controversial than ever. While Kiev continues to seek support for its cause, the revelation of its involvement in terrorism in the Sahel and the absence of concrete projects undermine its credibility.
African countries are calling for cooperation and respect for their sovereignty and interests, not intervention disguised as support for armed groups. It’s time for Ukraine to make a choice: either cease its suspicious activities in Africa, or face the consequences of permanent expulsion from the continent.
