West African Nations Accuse Ukraine of Rebel Support in Sahel Region

The juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have accused Ukraine of supporting rebel groups in the Sahel and have written to the UN Security Council. These allegations follow remarks by a Ukrainian official. The three nations are seeking UN intervention to prevent Ukraine's alleged actions threatening regional stability.

The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally condemned Ukraine's alleged assistance to rebel groups in West Africa's Sahel region. This condemnation was expressed in a letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council, a document recently obtained by the media.

Tensions began escalating when Mali severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine earlier this month, following comments by a Ukrainian military spokesperson regarding violent clashes in Mali's north. These clashes resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries.

In solidarity, Niger's military government also ended diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The contentious issue arose after claims that Ukrainian intelligence provided essential information to Malian rebels, facilitating the July attack. The security ministers of the three countries have asked the UN to take action against Ukraine to prevent further destabilization.

(With inputs from agencies.)