Mali denounces Algeria’s interference in its affairs calls on Algerian government to focus on their internal issues

The Malian government denounced Algeria’s interference in its internal affairs and called on it to focus on its internal crises, including the Kabyle issue, and stop exploiting Mali as a tool to achieve foreign political goals.

The Malian Foreign Ministry expressed in a statement its deep concern over the continued interference of some Algerian authorities in Mali’s internal affairs, adding that the matter expresses paternalism and arrogance.

The Malian Foreign Ministry explained that “the policy of combating terrorist groups is a purely sovereign right of the Republic of Mali, and that Algeria isn’t required to provide lessons in combating terrorism, as Mali adopts its own strategy that is in line with its national needs”.

The statement considered that the successes achieved by the Malian armed forces in fighting terrorism, and their continuous pressure on terrorist groups supported by Algeria, indicate that there are Algerian officials who yearn for the past, which is inconsistent with the interests of security and stability in Mali.

The Malian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Mali’s commitment to partnering with Burkina Faso and Niger in the Sahel Confederation, to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, and to preserve the countries’ sovereignty and national security.

From their part, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf announced a few days ago that Algeria had convinced Russia that a military solution isn’t possible in the Sahel and Sahara issues, especially in Mali… It has been tried three times and failed”.

According to what was published by Algerian media, Attaf added that Algeria won’t accept the transformation of political movements that were signatories to the Algiers Agreement into terrorist gangs, referring to the Azawad groups, adding that these groups are the ones that will be negotiated with in the future.

The Algerian minister pointed out, “the Algerian mediation is coming, and the time for a political solution will return, and Algeria will be present”.

He also spoke about establishing a mechanism between Algeria and Russia of an institutional nature, which meets every 3 months and assesses the situation, and after 4 periodic meetings, it has proven its effectiveness, and has enabled progress in addressing the issues.