Mali has announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Ukraine following claims that Kyiv played a role in recent deadly clashes near the Algerian border. The conflict resulted in the deaths of numerous Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries, who were ambushed by Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked fighters.
Last week, Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence, suggested that rebels received critical information to execute the attacks. This statement prompted Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, a senior Malian official, to accuse Ukraine of violating Mali’s sovereignty. Maiga condemned Yusov’s remarks, describing them as an admission of Ukraine’s involvement in what he termed a “cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric attack” on Malian soldiers. Consequently, Mali decided to immediately break off relations with Ukraine.
The Malian army acknowledged significant losses during the clashes that erupted on July 25 near Tinzaouaten, a northeastern town on the Algerian border. Reports indicate that Malian and Russian forces were ambushed by Tuareg rebels and fighters from the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin while awaiting reinforcements after retreating from Tinzaouaten.
Although exact figures have not been provided, estimates suggest that Wagner’s death toll ranges from 20 to 80, marking the heaviest losses the group has suffered in Mali since its involvement began two years ago. Wagner confirmed the death of one of its commanders and the downing of a Russian helicopter, attributing these losses to an attack by around 1,000 fighters.
Tuareg-led separatists claimed on Thursday to have killed 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. More than a decade ago, Mali’s central government lost control of significant northern territories due to a Tuareg rebellion that sought to establish a separate state. The situation further deteriorated with the involvement of Islamist militants. The military cited the government’s inability to address this unrest as justification for coups in 2020 and 2021. Subsequently, the junta severed Mali’s long-standing alliance with former colonial power France, turning instead to Russia to combat the ongoing insurgency.
