Mali’s government has ordered Sweden’s ambassador to Bamako to leave the country within 72 hours, following what it described as a “hostile” statement made by a Swedish minister. The decision was announced by Mali’s foreign ministry on Friday, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The incident stems from comments made by Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Trade, Johan Forssell, who stated on Wednesday that Sweden would begin phasing out aid to Mali. This move was seen by the Malian government as an unfriendly act, prompting the expulsion of the Swedish envoy.
The Swedish foreign ministry has yet to issue a formal response to Mali’s decision, leaving the future of Swedish-Malian relations uncertain.
This diplomatic rift occurs in the context of Mali’s recent shift in international alliances. Mali, along with its neighbors Niger and Burkina Faso, has been increasingly aligning itself with Russia, distancing itself from traditional partners such as France, Nigeria, and the United States. This realignment reflects broader geopolitical changes in the region, where former colonial ties are being reassessed in favor of new partnerships.
