The Nigerian authorities announced the decision after statements by Ukrainian officials, including the head of intelligence, Andrei Yusov, were made public, showing support for factions involved in fighting in northern Mali between the army and Wagner group advisors against Tuareg separatists.

Mali, for its part, severed its ties with Kiev last Sunday after Yusov’s statements that the Tuaregs “obtained all the necessary information”.

In stark contradiction, the Ukrainian authorities described the Nigerian decision as “short-sighted” and “hasty” and denied any involvement in the event.

However, several countries in the area, including Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast and Liberia disregarded the rebuttal, expressed their support for the Malian government and condemned the Ukrainian involvement in the event.

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