Tensions between Mali and Algeria were laid bare during the 79th United Nations General Assembly as Mali’s government spokesperson criticized Algeria’s role in the country’s ongoing political and security crises.
In a speech on September 28, Abdoulaye Maïga addressed the challenges facing Mali, taking particular aim at Algeria and its recent comments. While he acknowledged Algeria as a “brotherly nation,” Maïga condemned remarks made by two Algerian officials, including Algeria’s representative at the UN Security Council and Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf.
The source of contention stems from a July 31 press conference in which Attaf expressed concerns about the potential “revocation” of the Algiers agreement, a peace deal aimed at addressing the inter-Malian conflict. Attaf stated that ending the agreement would be “detrimental to all that has been achieved” in Mali and warned of the resurgence of civil war in the region.
In early 2023, Mali’s ruling junta announced a “direct inter-Malian dialogue” to prioritize national ownership of the peace process. Maïga emphasized the need for reconciliation, urging all Malians to participate in efforts to restore a peaceful constitutional order.
Mali has faced instability since 2012, when separatist and jihadist movements began to escalate in the north. A peace deal signed in 2015 envisioned greater autonomy for Tuareg-dominated groups and the integration of fighters into a unified army under state control.
Another flashpoint was the condemnation of a drone strike by the Malian army in northern Mali, which borders Algeria. Maïga called the Algerian ambassador’s accusations “grave and baseless,” stating that labeling the victims as “civilians” was defamatory and misleading.
On September 30, Algeria’s Foreign Minister responded to Maïga’s comments without naming him, calling them “inappropriate” while reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to its regional relationships.
Morocco also weighed in during the assembly, with its ambassador, Omar Hilale, accusing Algeria of being the “mother of all problems” in the Sahel and Sahara regions. Hilale urged Algeria to cease its interference in the internal affairs of neighboring countries.
Algeria has long supported the Polisario Front in Western Sahara, a territory Morocco claims sovereignty over, further complicating regional dynamics.
