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Mali has ordered Sweden’s ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours in response to a “hostile” statement.
What’s the deal: Malian officials have cited remarks by Johan Forssell, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Trade, as the reason for the ambassador’s dismissal. Forssell criticized Mali for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while still benefiting from significant Swedish development aid. He stated, “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.”
What Mali did: Two days after Johan Forssell’s remarks, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs ordered Sweden’s ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours, labeling Forssell’s statement as “hostile.” The Malian government condemned his criticism of Mali’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict while continuing to accept Swedish aid.
Digging Deeper: This development comes amid rising tensions following the recent deaths of Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers in an attack allegedly linked to a group with suspected ties to Ukraine. In response, Mali has severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, signaling a significant shift in its foreign policy. The Malian government cited the attack as part of its justification for distancing itself from Ukraine.
Why is Wagner in Mali?: The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, is in Mali to help the Malian government strengthen its military and regain control over regions troubled by insurgency and instability. Following the withdrawal of French troops and other international peacekeeping forces, the Malian military government turned to Wagner for support in fighting armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) that have made parts of the country ungovernable.
