Mali’s Prime Minister Accuses Algeria of ‘International Terrorism’ at UN
Mali’s Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, addressed the United Nations on Friday, accusing Algeria of ‘international terrorism’ over the downing of a Malian army drone. The incident occurred near the border town of Tinzaouaten, in the Kidal region, with Algeria claiming the drone had entered its airspace. Maïga emphasized that Mali, along with its allies Burkina Faso and Niger, will stand together in the face of attacks.
The three countries, which formed the AES Confederation last year after withdrawing from the ECOWAS alliance of West African states, face internal security threats from jihadist insurgents. Maïga highlighted the cooperation between the Defense and Security Forces of the three countries, stating that they work together in an “unprecedented spirit of collaboration and complementarity” to combat terrorism.
The AES Confederation gives the United Nations an opportunity to support a confederation that fights for its own stability and that of the continent, Maïga said. Last week, the three nations withdrew from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, citing “selective justice.”
Tensions between Mali and Algeria have been escalating since a military junta staged coups in 2020 and 2021. Algeria, which once served as a key mediator in the conflict between Mali’s government and Tuareg rebels, has grown apart from Mali. Earlier this month, Mali filed a case against Algeria at the International Court of Justice, accusing its neighbor of “premeditated destruction” of the Malian military reconnaissance drone.
The destruction of the drone was deemed a “blatant aggression” by Mali’s Ministry of Territorial Administration, which claimed that Algeria’s actions violated the principle of non-use of force. The incident has heightened tensions between Algeria and its southern neighbors, including Mali, with Algeria considering itself a regional power with one of Africa’s largest militaries.
The security situation in Mali remains precarious, with attacks from extremist groups linked to al-Qaida intensifying in recent months. Following two military coups, the ruling junta expelled French troops and turned to Russia for security assistance. The ICJ case and the downing of the drone have further strained relations between Algeria and Mali, with the AES Confederation seeking support from the international community to combat terrorism and ensure regional stability.
