Niger cuts diplomatic ties with Ukraine

In a statement, Mr. Abdramane said the move was made because the Kiev government had supported "terrorist organizations" and called on the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution on Ukraine's "aggressive" behavior.

The statement also affirmed that "based on the seriousness of the situation, as well as the real and alleged involvement of Ukraine in the aggression in Mali", the government of Niger has decided to sever diplomatic relations "with immediate effect" with Ukraine in order to show solidarity with the government and people of Mali.

Earlier, the transitional government in Mali announced on August 3 that it would sever diplomatic relations "with immediate effect" with Ukraine, after the Kiev government admitted to being involved in an act of aggression against the country.

According to a Malian government spokesman, the decision was made in response to comments by Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Ukraine's military intelligence agency, who acknowledged Ukraine's involvement in an attack by "armed terrorist groups" that killed several Malian soldiers and security forces members in Tinzaoutene.

Accordingly, the Malian Armed Forces said they suffered "significant human losses" during fierce fighting with an "alliance of terrorist forces" in the northeastern region of the country on July 26.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced the formation of the Sahel States Alliance at the institution's first summit earlier this month.