Senegal joins nations cutting ties with Qatar

Dubai - The West African nation of Senegal is recalling its ambassador from Qatar, joining several Middle Eastern countries that have cut diplomatic ties in recent days.

The announcement was made public on Wednesday, a day after a similar decision was announced by the neighboring country of Mauritania to the north.

A statement from the Senegalese Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was acting in solidarity with other countries in the Gulf who have cut diplomatic relations with Qatar because of the country's alleged funding of terrorist groups and friendly ties with Iran.

Karim Wade, the son of Senegal's former president, has been living in Qatar for nearly a year since his release from prison where he served time for corruption charges.