Burkina Faso might follow Mali and Niger in severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine, according to the Nigerian newspaper Leadership. All three countries are members of the Sahel Alliance and have formed a confederation, which the publication suggests makes it likely for Burkina Faso to make a similar move.
The newspaper reports that Ukraine is seeking to bolster its support in Africa to counteract Russia’s growing influence on the continent. This effort includes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitri Kuleba’s recent visit to Malawi, Zambia, and Mauritius. The publication notes that, in response to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso ending their defense agreements with France and the United States in favor of Russian military assistance, Ukraine is working to strengthen ties with African states.
Mali and Niger cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing it of supporting terrorist activities in their countries. This refers to a statement by Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, about Ukraine's alleged involvement in an attack on Mali's Defense and Security Forces by armed groups in late July near the Algerian border.
Leadership also reports that the Foundation for Assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine "Come Back Alive" (recognized as an undesirable organization by Russia’s Ministry of Justice), has been recruiting and training militants. According to the publication, these recruits are trained in modern warfare techniques, including UAVs and explosives, and then sent to Ukraine. The foundation's activities are said to include the training of militants responsible for the recent attacks on Malian forces, suggesting active Ukrainian involvement in destabilizing the region.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Rita Willaert/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS