West African Juntas Accuse Ukraine of Backing Rebel Groups

The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have accused Ukraine of supporting rebel groups in the Sahel region. Mali cut ties with Ukraine, citing comments by Ukraine's military intelligence about the conflict. Both sides deny the accusations. The situation highlights ongoing instability and geopolitical shifts in West Africa.

The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally accused Ukraine of backing rebel groups destabilizing the Sahel region, according to a letter addressed to the U.N. Security Council.

The diplomatic fallout began in August when Mali ended its diplomatic relations with Ukraine, following statements by a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson regarding clashes in northern Mali involving Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries.

Ukraine has refuted these allegations, labeling them baseless. Meanwhile, the Tuareg rebel alliance and an al-Qaeda affiliate have claimed responsibility for significant casualties among Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies.)