Faith Nyasuguta
Denmark is making bold moves to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa by opening new embassies in Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, while increasing staff in its existing embassies in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. This decision is part of Denmark’s new strategic approach towards Africa, which was unveiled by the Danish Foreign Ministry.
The Danish government sees this expansion as crucial amid shifting global alliances. “One of the most important foreign policy questions of this century will be whether African countries will orient themselves more towards the East or the West,” the Danish foreign ministry said in a statement. “We have a clear interest in African countries looking to us in Europe to set the course for their future.”
However, Denmark is also downsizing its presence in other parts of Africa. The embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso will be closed due to recent political instability following a series of military coups. Since 2020, Mali has been ruled by a military junta and has seen an increase in violent conflict, particularly in its northern regions. With support from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, Mali’s government has severed military ties with Western nations, including EU countries, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Relations between Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Western nations have deteriorated as these countries increasingly turn to Russia for support. The Danish Foreign Ministry noted that the shifting political dynamics in the Sahel region have made diplomatic operations difficult. Frustration over the inability of governments in these regions to ensure security has sparked coups in both Mali and Burkina Faso, prompting Denmark to reconsider its diplomatic footprint in these countries.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is also expanding its diplomatic ties in Africa, opening its latest embassy in Ivory Coast. This followed the inauguration of its diplomatic mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Deputy Foreign Minister Maksym Subkh praised these developments as vital steps in strengthening Ukraine’s relationships across the continent, reflecting President Volodymyr Zelensky’s strategy to deepen partnerships in Africa.
Subkh emphasized that Ukraine aims to increase its diplomatic presence by establishing additional embassies in countries like Ghana, Mozambique, Botswana, and Rwanda. The opening of these embassies marks a new chapter in Ukraine-Africa relations, highlighting Ukraine’s commitment to engaging with African nations and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation.
Russia, however, has been far from idle in Africa. Since its initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014, Moscow has intensified its efforts to expand its influence on the continent. The Kremlin has actively sought semi-permanent military bases in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel, and has been involved in influence operations in countries such as the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad.
This geopolitical chess game illuminates the increasing importance of Africa in global affairs, as various nations vie for influence and partnerships across the continent.
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