Mali/Senegal: The Senegalese Prime Minister in Bamako, a clear message according to analysts
The visit of Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane SONKO, to Mali’s transitional president, Colonel Assimi GOÏTA, in the presence of Malian Prime Minister, Choguel Kokalla Maïga, underscores the importance of the relationship shared by these two West African countries, beyond their differences and geopolitical issues.
The presence of the Senegalese Prime Minister in Bamako not only allowed both parties to discuss common interests within the framework of their bilateral relations but also to strengthen their ties, address current issues, particularly in terms of security, and likely dispel misunderstandings or rumors of recent weeks related to the Ukrainian aggression against Mali.
It should be noted that the visit comes after the incident of Ukrainian aggression against Mali, which was openly acknowledged by Ukrainian officials, including Yurii Pyvovarov, the Ukrainian diplomat accredited in Dakar, Senegal. From the Senegalese capital, the Ukrainian diplomat declared his country’s support for the terrorists who attacked the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) at the end of July, also announcing further actions against Malian soldiers.
This statement prompted Mali to sever diplomatic relations with the European country. It is also worth noting that following the Ukrainian diplomat’s statement, Dakar announced that it had summoned him. According to some analysts, the visit of the Prime Minister Ousmane SONKO to Bamako was intended to assure Malian authorities of Senegal’s innocence in the matter between Mali and Ukraine.
In his speech following the discussions, the Senegalese Prime Minister affirmed that under their leadership, no one would pass through Senegal to destabilize Mali or any other brotherly country of the AES, or impose sanctions on them. He emphasized that external considerations would not impact the historical and sincere relations that bind the two countries.
