(Ecofin Agency) - Denmark announced yesterday that it is closing its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso, citing the series of military coups that have occurred in recent years. The decision was revealed as the country unveiled a new cooperation strategy with Africa.

While cutting ties with these nations, Denmark also plans to open new embassies in Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, and strengthen its diplomatic presence in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.

Since 2020, relations between several European countries and the Sahel nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have deteriorated following military takeovers. These countries, now united in the Alliance of Sahel States, have severed military ties with Western powers, including the United States, and are increasingly leaning towards Russia, a nation viewed by critics as lacking in democratic values.

Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of Africa's geopolitical direction, stating, "One of the most important foreign policy questions of this century will be whether African countries orient themselves more towards the East or the West." The statement added, "We have a clear interest in African countries looking to us in Europe to set the course for their future."

As of now, neither Mali nor Burkina Faso has responded to Denmark's decision. While some might see this move as a stance against the current regimes in these countries, it's unclear what the economic impacts of closing the Danish embassies will be. In 2022, trade between Denmark and Mali amounted to $6.3 million, while trade with Burkina Faso was around $37 million, according to the International Trade Center’s Trademap platform.