Mali has ordered Sweden’s ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours following a statement by Swedish minister Johan Forssell announcing the phasing out of aid to Mali. The decision comes as three military-led states in the Sahel region, including Mali, pivot towards Russia. Sweden previously announced the closure of its embassy in Bamako by 2024 due to security concerns.
Mali has been facing unrest from armed groups, leading to parts of the country becoming ungovernable. The military seized power in a 2020 coup and is working to regain control from separatists and extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL. Sweden had deployed soldiers as part of a UN peacekeeping mission, but has since decided to withdraw them from Mali.
Mali has strengthened its ties with Russia, with the Wagner mercenary group operating in the country since late 2021. The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a defence cooperation pact in July, signaling a shift away from traditional Western allies. However, it is unclear if this new approach has been effective in addressing the violence in the country.
The diplomatic spat between Mali and Sweden highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel region and the changing alliances among various nations. The situation in Mali continues to be a concern, with ongoing unrest and security challenges facing the nation.
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