Diplomatic Crisis: Sweden's Envoy Expelled by Mali Over 'Hostile' Remarks

Mali has ordered Sweden's ambassador, Kristina Kuhnel, to leave within 72 hours due to a 'hostile' statement by a Swedish minister. The incident highlights a geopolitical shift as Mali aligns with Russia, severing ties with traditional Western allies. Sweden announced it would phase out aid to Mali in response to its Moscow ties.

In a dramatic turn of events, Mali has ordered Sweden's ambassador to Bamako, Kristina Kuhnel, to leave the country within 72 hours following a 'hostile' statement by a Swedish minister. This expulsion is the latest event in a broader geopolitical realignment in the Sahel region.

The diplomatic row highlights how three junta-led nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—are increasingly turning away from traditional Western allies like Sweden, shifting their allegiances to Russia. Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Trade, Johan Forssell, announced the decision to phase out aid to Mali, citing Mali's growing ties with Moscow.

Forssell pointed out on social media that a nation cannot support Russia's illegal war in Ukraine while accepting substantial development aid from Sweden. Relations between Mali and its Western partners have been deteriorating since the military junta took power in 2020, opting instead to align with Russian-backed forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)