Mali has ordered Sweden's ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours, following Sweden's decision to phase out its aid to Mali.

The move comes after Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation, Johan Forssell, announced the aid withdrawal, citing Mali's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine as a key reason.

Forssell stated that a country cannot support Russia's illegal war against Ukraine while receiving substantial development aid.

In response, Mali's foreign ministry labeled Forssell's comments as 'hostile.

' This diplomatic rift follows Mali's recent severance of ties with Ukraine, further aligning with Russia.

Sweden also plans to close its embassy in Mali, reflecting the diminishing value of a permanent presence amid the aid withdrawal.