COPENHAGEN 27 August 2024 (TDI): Denmark has announced plans to close its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso due to deteriorating security conditions following a series of military coups.
Since 2020, Mali has been under the control of a military junta that has cut ties with Western countries and allied with Russia’s Wagner Group to address Tuareg rebel conflicts. Similarly, Burkina Faso, also affected by a coup, has seen its relations with Western nations decline as it turns to Russian support.
In response, Denmark is redirecting its diplomatic efforts in Africa. The Danish Foreign Ministry intends to open new embassies in Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, and enhance its diplomatic presence in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Additionally, Burkina Faso has experienced one of its deadliest attacks this year, with at least 100 villagers and soldiers killed by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists in the Barsalogho commune. The attack, carried out by fighters from the JNIM group, occurred while villagers were assisting security forces in fortifying defenses. Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the assault, exacerbating the security crisis in the region.
