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The Swedish ambassador to Bamako, Christine Kunel, was ordered to leave Malian territory within 72 hours. The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation officially communicated the decision at a meeting in Kouluba on Friday, August 9, 2024.
The decision of the Malian government was explained by the recent hostile statements made by the Swedish Minister for International Cooperation and Trade, Johan Fussell, who announced the end of Sweden’s development aid strategy for Mali due to Mali’s alleged involvement with Russia in the Ukrainian conflict. The Malian transitional government reacted firmly to these statements, demanding the ambassador’s immediate departure.
The expulsion comes against the backdrop of already strained diplomatic relations between Mali and Sweden. Indeed, Sweden recently announced the closure of its embassies in Bamako and Ouagadougou, citing the deteriorating security situation. This decision follows a series of diplomatic measures by Bamako, including severing relations with Ukraine over its accusations that Kyiv supports international terrorism.
The expulsion of the Swedish ambassador could worsen diplomatic relations between the two countries. The suspension of $190 million in Swedish aid between 2021 and 2025 could have a significant impact on development projects in Mali. This situation could lead to a review of bilateral relations between Mali and other European partners.
Bamako’s decision to fire the Swedish ambassador is part of a series of diplomatic moves by Mali aimed at asserting its sovereignty and reorienting alliances, a strategy that could further isolate the country on the international stage while strengthening its ties with nontraditional players such as Russia.
The next steps in this diplomatic crisis will be closely watched. Sweden could take retaliatory measures, while other countries could reconsider their relations with Bamako. For its part, the Malian government seems determined to pursue an independent foreign policy, despite the risks of isolation.
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