Rabat-Mali has reiterated its rejection of Algeria’s hostility and “unfriendly acts,” accusing the North African country of interfering in its southern neighbor’s domestic affairs.
The country’s military government spokesperson accused Algeria of an “increasing number of unfriendly acts, instances of hostility and interference in Mali’s internal affairs.”
Malian diplomats point to the Algerian regime interfering in the country’s domestic affairs amid renewed tensions between Bamako and local armed groups after the 2015 Algiers Accord has been declared null and void by Mali.
The 2015 agreement aimed to restore peace between the Malian government and armed groups in Northern Mali, after years of irregular warfare near Algeria’s porous southern border.
In a key turn of events, Mali’s military rulers announced the end of the 2015 peace deal.
The Sahel country has been facing several security challenges amid clashes between the government and rebel fighters, which have been exacerbated by the presence of extremist groups in the region.
Algeria, which has been the main mediator in peace efforts between Mali and rebels, has long faced accusations from Malian authorities– who accused the North African country of interference.
In December, the Malian government summoned its ambassador to Algeria, citing the principle of reciprocity.
The consultation came in response to the reception of political figure Imam Mahmoud Diko by Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune last year in December.
Diko, a prominent religious and political figure in Mali, has openly criticized Mali’s ruling military council since 2022.
Last year in December, Mali’s foreign ministry slammed Algeria for its interference, pointing to high-level meetings in Algeria with individuals “known for their hostility to” towards the Malian government.
“Bamako takes issue with Algeria, especially regarding the repeated meetings held in Algeria at the highest levels without the slightest knowledge or involvement of Malian authorities,” added the Malian Foreign Ministry.
