Niger Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Ukraine

Mali and Niger Join Forces to Sever Ties

Niger's Military Junta Follows Mali's Lead

**Niamey, Niger** - Niger's military junta has joined Mali in severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine. The move follows a similar decision by Mali's military rulers on August 4th.

Niger cited solidarity with Mali as the reason for its decision. "We cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of the brotherly people of Mali," said a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

The junta, which seized power in a coup in January 2022, has been forging close ties with Russia. Russia has been providing military support to Mali in its fight against Islamist militants.

Niger is the second West African country to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine in the past week. Last month, Burkina Faso became the first.

Ukraine has yet to comment on Niger's move. However, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba previously said that Ukraine "deeply regrets" Mali's decision and will consider it a "hostile act."

The escalating row between Ukraine and several West African countries comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia, which has been accused of war crimes in the conflict, has been seeking support from African nations.