Niger, a member of the Alliance of Sahel States AES says it is with immediate effect ending diplomatic relations with Ukraine.

Niamey criticizes Kyiv for its support for the armed independence groups within the CSP, which attacked the Malian army at Tinzaouatène in the Kidal region of northern Mali.

For the past two weeks, they have been fighting for control of the strategic town of Kidal.

Niger, which is breaking off relations with Ukraine, also denounces the African Union’s silence on Ukraine’s involvement in the security crisis in northern Mali.

Here’s Colonel Major Abdourahmane Amadou, spokesman for Niger’s ruling military.