Senegal reprimands Ukrainian ambassador – New Tribune

this Senegal Recently, he has shown an unexpectedly tough stance, summoning the Ukrainian ambassador Dakarafter posting a controversial video on social networks. This strong diplomatic move comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions MaliThe diplomatic incident underscores the complexity of the Sahel’s geopolitics and raises questions about the delicate balance between regional unity and international alliances.

Northern Mali, scene of military escalation

Since mid-July, the North Mali This is a scene of intensified military action. The Malian army is determined to expand state authority and launch a large-scale offensive in various regions Dein–Afarak and TinsavantneThe ambitious operation achieved initial success, notably the capture of the strategic town of Infarak, 122 km northwest of Tessalit. However, the advance of the Malian armed forces (Farmer) encountered fierce resistance in the suburbs TinsavantneBorder town and Algeria.

On July 26, the situation took a dramatic turn, with an opportunistic alliance between ISIS and the Islamic State. Greater Sahara The Islamist and Muslim Support Group has carried out a series of suicide attacks against Malian positions. These armed groups took advantage of adverse weather conditions, including sandstorms, and succeeded in encircling a unit of the government army. Farmerputting her in a critical position until reinforcements arrived. These clashes took a heavy toll on the Malian army, which admitted heavy casualties and equipment losses.

Senegal, guardian of “constructive neutrality”

It was against this tense backdrop that the Embassy Ukraine have Dakar Posted on his page Facebook The video of the Ukrainian army commenting on the attack against the Malian army and its Russian allies. The publication immediately aroused the anger of the Senegalese authorities, who considered it an unacceptable interference in regional affairs. The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to remind him that ” the duty of discretion, restraint and non-interference”.

This firm response comes from Senegal It illustrates the delicate position of the countries in the region between local dynamics and global geopolitical issues. Basilu Diomaye Faye, Elected in April 2024, seeks to uphold the following positions: ‘Constructive neutrality’. This gesture is intended to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries, e.g. Mali and the desire not to alienate international powers involved in the region.

Senegal’s reaction was not limited to summoning the ambassador. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the publication, saying it In the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, it is “trying to divert the current media propaganda to its territory.” Even more worryingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that it cannot tolerate “statements and gestures that apologize for terrorism,” especially when they are aimed at destabilizing “fraternal countries.” As Mali.

This position is Senegal Discover Echo Burkina FasoIts Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded by condemning the glorification of terrorism and reiterating its support for the Malian armed forces. This convergence of views among Sahel countries highlights the importance they attach to regional stability in the face of ongoing security threats.