Mali Expels Swedish Ambassador Over ‘Hostile’ Comment By A Minister

Mali has expelled Sweden’s Ambassador to Bamako, Kristina Kuhnel for what it called
a “hostile” statement by a Swedish minister.

Diplomatic Spat

The diplomatic spat underscores the broader geopolitical shift occurring in the region.

Notably, three junta-led states – Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso– are moving away from traditional Western allies and strengthening ties with Russia.

What Did The Swedish Minister Say?

Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Trade, Johan Forssell, on Wednesday, announced the government’s decision to phase out aid to Mali due to its ties with Moscow.

“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.”

The Swedish Minister commented on a post on X about Mali cutting ties with Ukraine.

Since 2020, Mali, a West African Sahel nation, is under the rule of a military junta.

It Has Cut Military Cooperation Ties With Western Powers

After cutting military cooperation ties with Western powers, it is battling ethnic Tuareg rebels in its north alongside Russian Wagner mercenaries.

Sweden had decided in June to close its embassy in Mali’s capital Bamako by the end of the year, according to its foreign ministry.

Forsell’s spokesperson said on Friday the government decided in December to halt and phase out development aid but continue humanitarian assistance.

The Swedish foreign ministry had no immediate comment.

Mali Recently Cut Diplomatic Ties With Ukraine

Last week, Mali cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine over a diplomat’s comments.

The diplomat had suggested that Kyiv helped Tuareg rebels who claimed to have killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers.

Later, Ukraine’s foreign ministry said there was no evidence Kyiv had played any role in fighting and called Mali’s decision hasty.

French Ambassador Was Also Expelled

In 2022, Mali’s military leaders expelled the French ambassador over what they called “outrageous” comments made by the French foreign minister about the transitional government.

France recalled Joel Meyer, who had to leaven within 72 hours.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had said that Mali junta was “illegitimate” and “out of control”.

(With Inputs From Reuters)