Mali has expelled Swedish ambassador Kristina Kuhnel, giving her 72 hours to leave the country due to remarks by Swedish Minister Johan Forssell, who announced plans to phase out development aid to Mali. Forssell's statement, which criticized Mali's ties with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict, was labeled 'hostile' by the Malian government. This decision underscores Mali's shifting alliances, as the country, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, increasingly distances itself from Western nations in favor of closer relations with Russia. Sweden's development cooperation with Mali was previously valued at $190 million for 2021-2025. The diplomatic rift follows Mali's recent severance of ties with Ukraine over allegations of support for insurgents against Malian forces. This incident reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Sahel region as these nations realign their foreign policies.