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Ivorian authorities are reportedly investigating Kyiv’s alleged training of Tuareg rebels
Sources told RT that Kiev has been using its embassy in the West African country of Ivory Coast as a support center for Tuareg militants in the Sahel region.
Ukraine has been at the center of a diplomatic storm in Africa since early August, when dozens of Malian soldiers and Russian military contractors were killed in a rebel ambush in northern Mali. Some officials in Kiev initially claimed that the “successful” attacks by Tuareg militants were aided by information provided by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency HUR, and warned that “more attacks will come.” However, Ukraine later denied any links with the militants.
On Friday, Malian newspaper Bamada said there were “rumors swirling” that Ivorian authorities may launch an investigation into the conduct of the Ukrainian embassy in Abidjan, the country’s largest city. The investigation is reportedly focused on the diplomatic mission’s alleged coordination of insurgent training and use of the embassy to deliver drones.
A source speaking to RT on Saturday confirmed most of the claims made by the Malian media.
“The Tuareg rebels visited Ivory Coast before going to Ukraine for training. They probably met with HUR officers there and planned how to travel to receive training,” the source said.
According to RT sources, the Ukrainian embassy’s diplomatic mail has been used to organize the shipment of drone parts to Côte d’Ivoire, where the drones were subsequently assembled.
The source added that the Abidjan embassy was also suspected of recruiting fighters.
In the article, Bamada stressed that if Kiev’s involvement in “destabilization activities in West Africa” is officially confirmed, “this could have a significant impact on relations between Côte d’Ivoire and Ukraine.”
Earlier this week, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sent a letter to the UN Security Council asking it to take action against Kyiv’s interference in the Sahel region. In a statement, the three countries said the Security Council should “take appropriate measures to combat these subversive actions, which strengthen the power of terrorist groups in Africa and are manifestations of the involvement of foreign sponsors in the expansion of terrorism in the region”. The three Sahel countries remain under military rule and recently severed defense ties with former colonial power France.
In early August, Mali and Niger said they would sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine over its alleged support for terrorism.
（RT.com）
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