Mali Expels Swedish Ambassador Amid Diplomatic Strains

Sweden's ambassador to Mali, Kristina Kuhnel, has been ordered to leave the country following a statement made by a Swedish minister. This decision follows Mali's recent severance of diplomatic ties with Ukraine, prompting Sweden to reconsider its aid strategy towards Mali. Relations have been tense since Mali's 2020 coup.

In a move reflecting escalating diplomatic tensions, Sweden's ambassador to Mali, Kristina Kuhnel, has been given 72 hours to leave the country. This comes after a statement by a Swedish minister, which Mali perceived as hostile. The situation follows Mali's decision to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine, leading to critical comments from Sweden's minister for international cooperation and trade.

Johan Forssell, addressing the issue on social media platform X, stated, 'You can't support Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and simultaneously receive several hundred million kronor in development aid.' Forssell announced that Sweden would phase out its bilateral aid to Mali in 2024, emphasizing the government's stance. This decision comes after Stockholm declared in January that it would end its aid to Mali this year.

The diplomatic rift is part of a broader pattern; several ambassadors have been expelled from Mali in recent years, including French Ambassador Joel Meyer and peacekeeping mission spokesman Olivier Salgado in 2022. Relations between Mali and Western nations have significantly deteriorated since Mali's military coup in 2020, followed by another coup in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies.)