Niger ‘immediately’ severes diplomatic ties with Ukraine

Niger voiced support for Malian junta backed by Russia that accuses Ukraine of being involved in killing of Mali’s soldiers and Wagner mercenaries by Tuareg fighters, and followed its example by declaring end of Ukraine-Niger relations.

That’s according to Le Monde, citing local government spokesman Amadou Abdramane.

“The Government of the Republic of Niger, in full solidarity with the Government and people of Mali, has decided, relying on its sovereignty, to sever diplomatic relations between the Republic of Niger and Ukraine. This decision comes into force immediately,” Abdourahamane Amadou said on August 6.

Moreover, Nigerian junta announced a “transfer of the case to the UN Security Council for a decision on the Ukrainian aggression.”

Niger and Mali are similar in the way they are both run by military junta that took power in coups and use Russia and its mercenaries to maintain influence in the region.

Read also: Mali breaks off diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accusing it of helping to kill Russian Wagner mercenaries, Kyiv responds