Diplomatic Row: Mali Expels Swedish Ambassador in Escalating Dispute
Tensions between Mali and Sweden have reached a boiling point, with the Malian government ordering the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador from Bamako. The Malian military junta has given the Swedish diplomatic mission 72 hours to leave the country, starting Friday, August 9th, 2024.
This drastic measure comes as a direct response to comments made by Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell. Forssell announced the suspension of bilateral aid to Mali, citing the nation’s support of Russia as the reason.
The Malian government wasted no time in summoning Swedish Ambassador Kristina Konell to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to communicate the expulsion order. Malian authorities condemned Forssell’s statements as “false and hostile,” “provocative,” and “insulting.”
Further escalating the situation, Mali accused the Swedish minister of attempting to “exonerate the Ukrainian authorities who support international terrorism.” This accusation follows closely on the heels of Mali’s claim that Ukraine provided intelligence to Azawad groups in northern Mali. This intelligence, Mali alleges, enabled an attack on the Malian army and Wagner mercenaries at the end of July.
This diplomatic row highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region, where international alliances and allegiances are increasingly strained. The situation also underscores the growing pressure on Mali from Western nations over its relationship with Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
