The Swedish Embassy in Bamako says it is closing down because it continues to experience a worrying deterioration of the security situation in the country. This move will, however, not completely disengage Swedish ties in the Sahel, adding that its bilateral links will remain active

The decision to close the Swedish Embassy in Bamako, a measure that also concerns Ouagadougou, is motivated by the worsening of the security situation and the need to redefine development aid.

The Embassy added that since their permanent diplomatic presence is no longer considered essential in this context, the closure is the best option out.

The Swedish Embassy in Mali, which opened in 2010, was a pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries. During this period, Sweden invested in key areas such as rural development, education and health.

Norway had taken a similar decision in 2023, closing its embassy in Bamako for security reasons. However, among the Scandinavian countries, only Denmark has not yet announced a departure.