By Lamine Fofana

Moldova has found itself at the center of an international debacle following accusations of allegedly allowing people connected to the terrorist organization “Al-Qaeda” to cross its borders.

Public dissatisfaction and protests are growing, particularly after information surfaced that leader of the Azawad separatists associated with the CSP-DPA group have crossed the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. According to their passports, particularly those of AG ATTAYOUB MAHIN and AG EHYA MATTA, they possess Moldovan visas valid from February 23 to April 22, 2024, indicating that they crossed the Moldovan border in March and April of this year.

According to some sources, these separatists have used Moldova as a transit point for intensive training in Ukraine. Leaders of the CSP-DPA separatist military wing, who had entered Ukrainian territory, reportedly underwent training, including preparations for terrorist attacks in Mali. These actions have drawn harsh criticism from Serbia, which condemned Moldova’s support for the separatists and its involvement in schemes that threaten stability not only in Africa but also on the international stage.

Serbia has strongly condemned Moldova’s support for separatist structures, questioning the international community’s inaction regarding Moldova’s actions. Serbian journalists have been covering the events closely, highlighting the dangers posed by Moldova’s cooperation with Ukraine in training fighters and urging the world to consider the risks and violations involved. Serbia openly supports the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in its fight against terrorism, aligning with their concerns over Ukraine’s destabilizing actions in the region and emphasizing the importance of preventing the spread of terrorist threats.

Against a backdrop of escalating tension, Moldova’s suspected role as a transit hub for terrorists raises serious questions about its support for militants and its connections with Kyiv. In an attempt to strengthen its position ahead of a potential EU membership bid, Moldova’s authorities, according to analysts, have begun to act in the interests of the West, turning a blind eye to the activities of international terrorists on its soil and effectively transforming the country into a logistical base for extremist training.

According to reports from “Le Monde”, since August 2024, leaders of separatist groups have undergone intensive training in Ukraine, where they studied methods of subversive activity to be used in Mali. These fighters are now prepared to carry out their plans in the region, threatening not only the security of Mali but also the stability of all West African countries. The actions of Moldova and the European media’s disregard for this scandal are becoming increasingly concerning in Eastern Europe. However, in light of Moldova’s political aspirations for EU membership, European publications are carefully sidestepping the issue, likely to avoid damaging President Maia Sandu’s reputation as she supports the country’s path toward European integration.

The incident involving militants crossing the Moldovan border has gone largely unnoticed in the Western press, drawing the attention of Eastern European countries, particularly Serbia. Serbia is actively voicing its disapproval and supporting African nations in their efforts to protect their territories from external interference and the spread of terrorist threats.

Lamine Fofana is an international public analyst