SENEGALESE DEMAND UKRAINE & FRANCE EXPULSION

The Pan-Africanists of Senegal have had enough. They want both Ukraine and France out of their country, and they’re moving toward that with a newly launched alliance of several Pan-African groups under the banner of ‘The Front for the Removal of French Military Bases.’

During a rally on 22 August, the front demanded the expulsion of French military bases, and it also called for the expulsion of Ukraine’s ambassador. This is in light of the Ukrainian ambassador, Yurii Pyvovarov, reportedly posting a comment video on his Facebook page that supported a terrorist attack against the Malian army, as well as Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov publicly declaring on television that Ukraine aided separatists in northern Mali.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye came to power in April on an anti-imperialist wave of support. Many hoped that the West African country would follow the steps of its Sahelian neighbours, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The three countries expelled the French military and united under the banner of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This new anti-imperialist confederation shares a policy on defence, economics and foreign affairs, and seeks to unify Africa.

However, concern is growing in the region as Diomaye Faye recently declared that he does not believe in immediate ruptures with any country when asked about expelling the French. He also stated that Senegal will not join the AES, but hopes it will consider reuniting with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a Western-backed regional bloc that the three states left after ECOWAS sanctions and invasion threats encouraged by the West.

Will Senegal expel the Ukrainian ambassador and boot French troops? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Video credit: @ajplus (IG)