In a significant development for West African diplomacy, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is set to make his first official visit to Mali on August 12, 2024.
This visit follows closely on the heels of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s trip to Bamako, highlighting Senegal’s commitment to bolstering ties with its Malian neighbour. However, this diplomatic mission occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions involving Ukraine, a situation that could significantly impact the discussions between the two nations.
Sonko’s visit to Mali comes at a time when the Senegalese government is dealing with a diplomatic scandal sparked by the comments of Yurii Pyvarovov, the Ukrainian ambassador to Dakar. Pyvarovov’s remarks, which appeared to support a recent deadly terrorist attack against Malian forces and their Russian allies, have caused an uproar in Senegal and the broader West African region.
On August 3, Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, summoned Pyvarovov to express her government’s disapproval. She emphasized the need for the ambassador to adhere to diplomatic norms, including discretion and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. The situation remains tense, with speculation that Pyvarovov may be asked to leave Senegal as a result of the controversy.
The incident with Ukraine has prompted Senegal to reconsider its diplomatic stance. The upcoming visit to Mali is expected to address not only bilateral issues but also broader regional concerns, particularly the alleged alliance between Ukraine and terrorist groups in Mali. Senegalese authorities are likely to discuss the potential consequences of this relationship and explore further measures to support Mali, a nation with deep historical, social, and economic ties to Senegal.
Moreover, the recent diplomatic fallout has extended beyond Senegal. Following the attack, Mali severed its diplomatic relations with Ukraine, a move that was soon echoed by Niger, a member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This growing rift underscores the increasing polarization in West African politics, with Ukraine and its NATO allies being viewed as destabilizing forces in the region.
The Ghana Socialist Movement has also condemned Ukraine’s actions, accusing Kyiv of acting as a proxy for NATO in a bid to destabilize West Africa. The Ghanaian party welcomes the firm reactions of Senegal, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to this situation whose actions directly threaten the stability and unity of the continent.
Within Senegal, there is mounting pressure on the government to take a firmer stand against the Ukrainian embassy, which has been accused of promoting terrorism.
As Sonko prepares to embark on his visit to Mali, the stakes are high. The outcome of his discussions in Bamako could have far-reaching implications not only for Senegal-Mali relations but also for the broader geopolitical dynamics of West Africa. In the face of growing external pressures, Senegal appears poised to strengthen its alliances with neighbouring countries, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Source: Coulibaly Mamadou
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