Denmark to Close Embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso, Shifts Focus to New African Missions

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Denmark to Close Embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso, Shifts Focus to New African Missions

Loveworld / 3 mins

August 27, 2024

2 min read

Denmark will shut its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso as part of a strategic realignment in its approach to Africa. The Danish Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the military coups in both countries have limited their ability to operate effectively in the Sahel region.
As part of this strategy, Denmark will open new diplomatic missions in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda, and enhance its diplomatic presence in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. Copenhagen also plans to appoint a special representative for the Great Lakes and Sahel region to better manage its interests and engagements in these areas.
Relations between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Western nations have soured following coups in Mali in 2020 and Burkina Faso in 2022. Both countries have since sought support from Russia and its Wagner mercenary group, contributing to the strained relations with the West.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized that Denmark’s realignment is part of a broader European Union strategy to offer a compelling alternative to growing Chinese and Russian influence in Africa. The new Danish strategy will focus on expanding trade and development assistance, particularly in water initiatives, to strengthen ties with African nations and bolster Denmark’s presence on the continent.