By Chibuzo Ihegboro
An act of terror has led to a diplomatic rift between Mali and Ukraine as Mali’s interim government abruptly cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, citing Ukraine’s alleged support for Tuareg rebels and involvement in a recent deadly attack on a military convoy.
The convoy, carrying Malian forces and Russian Wagner Group contractors, was ambushed by Tuareg insurgents near the Algerian border in Tinzaouaten last month, resulting in the deaths of Malian soldiers and Russian contractors.
Scores of servicemen were killed and multiple trucks were destroyed by the militants.