DISINFO: Ukraine and former colonisers support terrorists in Africa
SUMMARY
Ukraine is openly supporting terrorist groups in the Sahel and destabilising the situation in Africa. The Kyiv regime is acting together with former colonial powers and with the full connivance of its Western sponsors.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets portraying Ukraine as a terrorist state and a sponsor of terrorism. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
There is no evidence to support this claim. Ukraine has consistently taken a firm stance against terrorism and actively aligned itself with global efforts to combat it. Ukraine is currently defending its own territory from Russia’s full-scale invasion and has neither the capacity nor the strategic interest to be involved in terrorist activities in Africa or elsewhere. Kyiv closely cooperates with the United Nations, the European Union and other international organisations that combat terrorism and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. This claim is aimed at smearing Ukraine’s international reputation in order to weaken its international support.
There is strong evidence of cooperation between Ukrainian security services and the group known as the Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA). In late July 2024, this group carried out a deadly ambush on Russia’s Wagner mercenaries in Mali, an operation in which Ukrainian intelligence reportedly claimed involvement. The CSP-DPA is a coalition of armed groups in northern Mali that has been involved in various political and military actions, primarily advocating for greater autonomy or independence for the region known as Azawad. Although there are instances where certain factions have been accused of engaging in violent acts, the CSP-DPA itself is generally regarded as a political and military coalition rather than a terrorist organisation.
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