Sweden's Ambassador to Mali Ordered to Leave Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Sweden's ambassador to Mali has been summoned and given 72 hours to exit the country following remarks by Swedish Minister Johan Forssell, which Mali's Ministry of Foreign Affairs deemed "hostile." Forssell's comments, made earlier this week, announced Sweden's decision to phase out development aid to Mali, citing the country's ties with Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This diplomatic rift highlights the growing tensions between Mali and Western nations as the Sahel region undergoes significant geopolitical shifts. The Swedish government’s decision to halt aid was reportedly made in December, with assurances that humanitarian assistance would continue. This incident follows Sweden's announcement in June to close its embassy in Bamako by the end of 2024, opting to support the region from Dakar, Senegal, due to escalating security concerns in Mali. The country has been grappling with unrest fueled by armed groups, particularly after a military coup in 2020, which has led to a focus on regaining control from separatists and extremist factions. Mali's pivot towards Russia has intensified since the withdrawal of Western troops, including Sweden's contingent of 220 soldiers from a UN peacekeeping mission. The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, has been active in Mali since late 2021, filling the void left by departing French forces. In July, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formalized a defense cooperation pact, signaling a united front against external threats, although the effectiveness of this alliance in curbing violence remains uncertain.