Mali Expels Swedish Ambassador Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Sweden's ambassador to Bamako has been expelled by Mali within 72 hours due to a 'hostile' statement by a Swedish minister. The statement involved Sweden's decision to phase out aid to Mali. The geopolitical shift includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso strengthening ties with Russia over Western allies.

Sweden's ambassador to Bamako has been ordered to leave the country within 72 hours, Mali's foreign ministry announced on Friday. This move follows what the ministry termed a 'hostile' statement made by a Swedish minister.

On Wednesday, Johan Forssell, Sweden's minister for international development cooperation and trade, revealed the government's decision to phase out aid to Mali. The Swedish foreign ministry has not yet commented on the development.

Mali, along with neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, has been cultivating closer relations with Russia. This comes at the expense of their alliances with former colonial ruler France, regional powerhouse Nigeria, and the United States.

(With inputs from agencies.)