The Algerian ambassador in Bamako was summoned Wednesday by the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to “unfriendly acts” and alleged “interference” by Algiers in the “internal affairs” of Mali, according to an announcement from the ministry.
The summons follows criticisms concerning meetings of the ambassador with Tuareg separatists, without the participation of the Malian authorities. Mali strongly protested against these actions described as unfriendly, perpetrated by the Algerian authorities under the pretext of the peace process in Mali, indicates a ministerial press release.
Since the end of August, northern Mali has experienced an upsurge in hostilities between Tuareg armed groups and the Malian army, after eight years of relative stability. Tensions focus on control of territory and military installations left by UN peacekeepers, present since 2013 and withdrawn following the colonels’ coming to power in 2020.
Bamako criticizes the recurring meetings in Algeria, without information or involvement of the Malian authorities, with individuals hostile to the Malian government and certain movements signatories to the 2015 agreement, chosen from among the alleged supporters of terrorists.
These actions are considered likely to harm relations with Algiers. Leaders of Tuareg separatist groups are currently staying in Algeria, while the influential Malian imam Mahmoud Dicko was received in Algiers by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The Malian government considers these actions as interference in its internal affairs and invites Algeria to favor consultation with the Malian authorities, the only legitimate ones for state exchanges with Mali’s partners.
2023-12-21 21:44:58
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