Mali expels Swedish ambassador in diplomatic dispute

In a surprising turn of events, Mali has decided to expel the Swedish ambassador from the country, citing a “hostile” statement made by a Swedish minister.

The diplomatic dispute arose following comments made by Sweden’s minister for international development cooperation and trade, Johan Forssell, who announced the decision to phase out aid to Mali.

The tensions escalated when Forssell linked the decision to the conflict in Ukraine, stating, “You cannot support Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and at the same time receive several hundred million crowns each year in development aid.”

This statement incited Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon and promptly order the Swedish ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours.

The expulsion of the Swedish ambassador highlights a broader geopolitical shift unfolding in the Sahel region, particularly within the military-led states of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These countries are seen to be pivoting away from their traditional Western allies and showing signs of alignment towards Russia.

The decision by Sweden to halt and phase out development aid to Mali was reportedly made in December of the previous year, with a focus on continuing humanitarian assistance. This strategic move further underscores the changing dynamics of international relations in the region.

Sweden had previously announced the closure of its embassy in Bamako by the end of 2024 due to the deteriorating security situation in Mali. However, they expressed their commitment to providing continued support to the region from their embassy in Dakar, Senegal.

Mali has been grappling with persistent unrest driven by various armed groups, leading to significant parts of the country becoming ungovernable.

The military-led government, which came into power following a coup in 2020, has prioritized efforts to regain control over the entire country from separatist movements and extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS.

In 2022, Sweden made the decision to withdraw its 220 soldiers from Mali, where they had been deployed as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

This move came as other European nations, such as France, also completed their troop withdrawals from Mali. With the changing conditions in the country, the Swedish armed forces emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe return of their soldiers while continuing operations as usual.

However, the situation in Mali continued to evolve, with the country forming closer ties with Russia and allowing the Wagner mercenary group to operate within its borders.

In a notable development, military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a new defence cooperation pact in July, aiming for greater integration and mutual protection.

Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali’s military leader, stated that an attack on one member of the pact would be considered an attack on all, showcasing the solidarity and cooperation among the nations.

Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of this new approach in curbing the ongoing violence in Mali remains uncertain.

As Mali navigates these challenging circumstances, the diplomatic spat with Sweden serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region.

The evolving alliances and shifting priorities of countries in the region highlight the ongoing struggle for stability and security in the face of internal and external threats.

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