Bamako also accused Algeria of supporting sanctions against Mali and backing terrorism. In response, Algeria issued a statement addressing the “Malian people” directly -instead of the Malian authorities- threatening an upcoming civil war, in total disregard for the sovereignty of the Malian government’s sovereignty. It also denounced Algeria’s “condescendence” with Mali, whom Algiers views as its “backyard.”As for terrorism, Mali recalled Algeria’s “hidden hand” in the spread of terrorism in the Sahel by Algerian groups such as the GSPC and AQIM. The diplomatic crisis between the two countries was building up since Mali kicked out French troops and took military action against the heavily armed Tuareg rebels in the north. Algeria, a military dominated state, is ill-positioned to give lessons to Mali on political transition and military rule, Malian analysts say.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 29, 2024 11:28 UTC