Denmark says it plans to close embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso

Denmark has become the latest western country to close its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso.

The decision was announced by the Danish foreign ministry as part of a new African strategy that includes opening new embassies in Rwanda, Tunisia, and Senegal.

Mali and Burkina Faso are ruled by military juntas together with their ally Niger, following a series of military coups that affected many other Sahel countries.

Mali and Burkina Faso in particular have sided with Russia and expelled French and other Western troops.

This month, Mali cut ties with Ukraine whom it accuses of backing Tuareg rebels. The decision was made following an ambush in northern Mai that killed many Malian soldiers and Wagner’s armed men by Tuareg rebels.

On August 9, Mali declared the Swedish ambassador persona non grata, following his critical remarks on Bamako’s military alliance with Moscow.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have signed a confederation agreement marking their announced departure from the regional grouping ECOWAS. They have also agreed on mutual defense.