Denmark has announced the closure of its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso following a series of military coups in the region, the Danish foreign ministry confirmed on Monday. The decision is part of Denmark’s new strategic approach to its cooperation with the African continent.
Military rule and deteriorating relations
Mali, governed by a military junta since 2020, has seen deteriorating relations with Western powers after severing military ties with European Union countries and aligning itself with Russia’s Wagner mercenary group. Similarly, Burkina Faso has experienced instability due to frustrations over the government’s inability to restore security, leading to a military coup.
The Danish foreign ministry cited these shifts in governance and growing partnerships with Russia as reasons for the ‘very limited room for manoeuvre in the Sahel region, prompting the closure of its embassies in these two countries.
Strategic diplomatic shift
While Denmark withdraws from Mali and Burkina Faso, it is expanding its diplomatic presence in other parts of Africa. The country will open new embassies in Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, and plans to increase its diplomatic staff in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Denmark’s foreign ministry emphasised the importance of Africa’s geopolitical orientation in the 21st century, stating, ‘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 ministry expressed Denmark’s clear interest in ensuring that African countries maintain strong ties with Europe as they chart their future course.
This strategic shift highlights Denmark’s effort to strengthen relationships with African nations that align with Western policies, while adjusting its presence in regions with growing Russian influence.
