2023-12-21 20:08:32
The relationship between Algeria and Mali is going through a delicate period of turbulence due to Algerian interference in Mali’s internal affairs. This situation led to a diplomatic crisis between the two countries, with the reciprocal summons of their respective ambassadors. The Malian government accuses Algeria of establishing partnerships with terrorist groups and thus violating Mali’s sovereignty. This situation has the risk of further compromising the stability and security of the region as a whole, so dear to the international community, which continues to dissuade Algiers from this bellicose and destabilizing attitude.
On December 19, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali, in a press release, expressed his dissatisfaction with Algeria’s interference in the internal affairs of the country. He condemned the actions of the Algerian authorities, accusing them of forming partnerships with terrorist groups. These allegations led to the summoning of the Algerian ambassador to Bamako to vigorously protest against these acts deemed unfriendly. This call would be seen by Algiers as a humiliation by adopting reciprocity. An act considered undiplomatic by some observers.
In response to Mali’s accusations, Algeria summoned the Malian ambassador to Algeria to discuss developments in the situation. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wished to recall Algeria’s attachment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and national unity of Mali. Algeria maintains that all its actions aim to promote peace, security and stability in Mali. She also asserts that the ongoing peace process is the best path to guarantee Mali’s long-term stability.
Despite the tensions, the two countries affirmed their commitment to the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement resulting from the Algiers process. Agreement that the Algerian authorities trampled on by holding meetings with forces accused of wanting to destabilize a state. This is the favorite game of the Algerian regime. However, Ahmed Attaf, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed the hope that Mali would join the efforts currently undertaken by his country to give new impetus to this agreement. Except that organizing secret meetings with “enemies” of Mali, Attaf could not expect silence from his Malian neighbor.
However, the differences between the two countries regarding the accusation of interference and the relationship with terrorist groups cast doubt on a resolution of the diplomatic crisis.
The ongoing situation between Algeria and Mali has significant regional repercussions. Mali is already facing security challenges with the active presence of terrorist groups in certain regions of the country and seeing Algiers undermine its sovereignty risks further accentuating the crisis.
Accusations of Algerian interference risk further complicating the implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement and the fight against terrorism in Mali. Increased destabilization of Mali could also affect neighboring countries, thus creating a broader regional threat of which Algiers would be the author because of its behavior which is to always want to flirt with organizations like the militia like the Polisario or terrorist groups like the armed forces operating in the Sahel region.
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