Mali has ordered the Swedish ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours, following what it described as a “hostile” statement from Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Trade, Johan Forssell. This diplomatic action was announced by Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, shortly after Forssell declared that Sweden would phase out its aid to Mali due to the latter’s support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Forssell’s comments, made on August 7, emphasized that it is contradictory for Mali to receive substantial development aid while supporting Russia’s military actions. He stated, “You cannot support Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and at the same time receive several hundred million crowns each year in development aid.” This statement followed Mali’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Ukraine, which was perceived as a significant shift in its foreign relations.
The expulsion of the Swedish ambassador highlights the growing geopolitical realignment in the Sahel region, where Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, is increasingly distancing itself from traditional Western allies and fostering closer ties with Russia. This shift has been marked by the presence of the Wagner Group in Mali since late 2021, which has taken over roles previously held by French troops and international peacekeepers.
In June, Sweden announced plans to close its embassy in Bamako by the end of 2024, citing security concerns, while continuing to support the region from Dakar, Senegal. The situation in Mali has been complicated by ongoing unrest and violence driven by armed groups, prompting the military government that came to power after a coup in 2020 to prioritize regaining control over the country.
As Mali strengthens its defense cooperation with neighboring countries, Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali’s military leader, has stated that an attack on one member of this alliance would be considered an attack on all. The effectiveness of this new approach in curbing violence within the country remains uncertain.
