Mali recalls its ambassador to Algiers for consultation

Mali summoned its ambassador to Algiers against the backdrop of worsening ties accusing Algeria of interfering in Mali’s domestic issues and “unfriendly acts.”

After it summoned Algiers ambassador to Bamako to protest against Algeria’s meddling in Mali’s internal issues, Algiers responded by summoning Mali’s ambassador to Algiers, in a move that was seen in Mali as yet another provocation further worsening already tense diplomatic relations.

Malian foreign ministry castigated Algeria’s president Tebboune who offered a state reception to Mahmoud Dicko, an Imam and an opponent of the ruling men in uniform in Bamako.

The reception of Dicko, who supports the Touareg rebels in northern Mali, was “an unfriendly act” and a “meddling in the domestic affairs of Mali,” the Malian foreign ministry said.

Anti-Algerian protests have erupted in multiple Malian cities calling their government to severe ties with Algiers.

Algeria has unleashed its media against Mali, with pro-security services papers like El khabar describing Bamako’s military ruler as a criminal.

Mali has also denounced the fact that Algeria has contacted the Touareg rebels without prior consultation with Bamako.

The resumption of war in northern Mali between a coalition of Touareg and Arab armed groups-seeking the independence of the Azawad or northern Mali, meant an end to Algeria’s brokered deal of 2015.

Few months ago, Niger’s putschists rejected Algeria’s mediation and so did the ECOWAS.

Algeria has for long been accused of manipulating terrorist groups in the Sahel. A wikileaks cable by US ambassador in Algiers to Hilary Clinton, accused Algeria of sealing a pact with then Al Qaeda in the Sahara and the Shael AQIM to spare Algerian targets in the region.