LThe Malian government accuses Algiers of interference in its internal affairs and denounces a posture marked by “paternalism, condescension and contempt”. “Mali is neither asking nor taking lessons from Algeria, which has led, in the recent past, in complete sovereignty, its fight against terrorism”affirms the press release, insisting on the legitimacy of the strategic choices made by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), bringing together Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
The Malian ministry goes further by accusing Algeria of being close to certain “terrorist groups supported by foreign state sponsors”which she would host and support.
These accusations, already formulated in a Malian press release dated January 25, 2024, reappear in a context of deep divisions between the two neighbors. “Mali reiterates its firm opposition to any form of Algerian involvement in its internal affairs and will not allow any external actor to pursue a hackneyed firefighter-arsonist strategy”specifies the text.
Mali also attacks Algerian positions on the Kabyle question, inviting Algiers to “refocus your energy on resolving your own internal crises and contradictions”. For Bamako, Algeria’s insistence on interfering in its affairs illustrates a desire to use Mali “as a lever for its international positioning”.
Despite this verbal escalation, Mali reaffirms its determination to continue, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, “its fight against terrorism in all its forms”.
