Russia tells Algeria to stop interfering in Sahel states domestic issues- media

Russia is reported to have urged the Algerian regime to refrain from meddling in the domestic issues of Moscow’s allies in the region, Niger and Mali, news website Maghreb Intelligence reported.

The warning came during a meeting in Algiers on April 14 between Russia’s MENA region envoy Mikhail Bogdanov with top Algerian military rulers.

Bogdanov relayed to Algerian officials the demands of Russia’s Sahel allies to see Algeria stop interfering in their internal affairs.

“Do not follow the French example. Stop meddling in our domestic affairs. Stop backing radical groups that threaten our security. Stop backing our national opposition. Otherwise, you will face a fate similar to that of France,” this was the message relayed by Bogdanov on behalf of Sahel states, a diplomatic source told Maghreb Intelligence.

Mali is on the brink of cutting ties with Algiers whom it accuses of backing terrorist groups and Tuareg armed groups.

Niger has rejected Algeria’s mediation following the coup and denounced Algeria’s racist and violent treatment of Nigeran migrants.

Although the Algerian president described Russia as Algeria’s “protector,” Moscow continues to view Algeria as a client rather than a partner or ally. Russia exports the bulk of Algerian weaponry and looks with great suspicion at Algeria’s stand against the growing Russian influence in the Sahel and Libya.