Ukraine Denies Accusations of Supporting Mali Rebels, Amid Malaysian Tensions

The government of Ukraine has categorically denied allegations claiming it supports insurgents in Mali with drones to continue the fight against the country’s military and Russian-backed mercenaries. The denial follows a report from the Paris-based newspaper Le Monde indicating that Tuareg rebels utilize unmanned aerial vehicles originating from Ukraine.

Mali’s military government severed ties with France in 2022 and shifted allegiance to Russia in a bid to counter security challenges in the northern part of the country. However, the conflict continues to intensify, with neighboring countries like Niger and Burkina Faso, both under military rule, also accusing Ukraine of aiding terrorism within their borders.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister stated, “Ukraine dismisses the allegations of terrorism support claiming Ukraine aids terrorists with equipment such as drones in Mali.”

In related developments, tensions between Israel and Lebanon have stirred international concern. Naim Qassem, Deputy Leader of Hezbollah, declared that a ceasefire remains the sole path to resolving the ongoing conflict with Israel. Despite this message, he affirmed that Hezbollah, supported by Iran, remains poised to launch attacks across Israel.

Meanwhile, the United States has increased pressure on Israel through a formal letter, insisting on the enhancement of humanitarian aid access to Gaza within 30 days, or face potential suspension of military assistance. Signed by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the correspondence highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza as Israel has previously suppressed 90% of humanitarian operations in northern Gaza last month.

In Africa, Uganda has initiated a $3 billion agreement with a Turkish company to construct an electric railway linking Kampala with Kenya. Transport Minister Katumba Wamala expressed that the project aims to reduce transport delays from the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa and halve the costs involved in freight transportation.

Africa’s energy sector faces challenges, as Nigeria experiences frequent power outages attributed to outdated equipment in its main power transmission network. This issue plunged the nation into darkness once again as substations across the country failed.

In Nigeria’s political sphere, Senator Kawu Sumaila has accused politicians, particularly lawmakers, of promoting drug abuse among youths by encouraging politically motivated use during elections. He emphasized the necessity of conducting drug tests for individuals aspiring for public office.

Additionally, the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualification match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Libya has been postponed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) amidst logistic difficulties faced by the Nigerian team in Libya.