COPENHAGEN, Denmark: Denmark announced plans to close its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso due to the worsening security situation following a series of military coups.
Since 2020, Mali has been governed by a military junta, which has severed ties with Western powers and allied with Russia’s Wagner Group to combat Tuareg rebels.
Similarly, Burkina Faso, which also experienced a coup, has seen relations with Western countries deteriorate as it seeks Russian support.
In response to these developments, Denmark is shifting its diplomatic focus on the African continent. The Danish Foreign Ministry plans to open new embassies in Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, while increasing its diplomatic presence in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Separately, Burkina Faso witnessed one of its deadliest attacks this year, as at least 100 villagers and soldiers were killed by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists in the Barsalogho commune.
The fighters, part of the JNIM group, attacked while villagers were helping security forces fortify defences. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack, further escalating the security crisis in the region.
