Denmark announced on Monday that it will be closing its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso, following a series of military coups in these countries. This decision aligns with Denmark’s new strategy for its engagement with Africa.
Mali, which has been under military rule since 2020, has faced ongoing conflict with Tuareg rebels in the north and has aligned itself with Russia’s Wagner mercenary group after severing military ties with Western allies, including EU nations.
The shifting alliances have strained relations between Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Western countries, as these nations increasingly turn to Russia for support.
The Danish foreign ministry noted that the persistent instability and the failure of local authorities to restore security have severely limited diplomatic options in the Sahel region.
Consequently, Denmark is adjusting its diplomatic focus and will now open embassies in Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, while also expanding its staff in existing embassies in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet responded to requests for comment on Denmark’s decision.
“One of the most important foreign policy questions of this century will be whether African countries will orient themselves more towards the East or the West,” the Danish foreign ministry said in a statement.
“We have a clear interest in African countries looking to us in Europe to set the course for their future,” it added.