At the UN, Mali accuses Algeria of backing terrorism

Mali’s representative to the UN in New York has openly accused Algeria of backing terrorist and separatist groups, in response to an Algerian representative’s statement accusing Mali of using drones against civilians.

Mali, backed by Russia, has been battling Tuareg Azawad rebels who have turned more towards Algeria in recent months.

Speaking at a UN Security Council session, Mali’s UN representative Issa Konfourou said Algeria “backs and spreads terrorist groups’ propaganda.”

The statement was made in response to an earlier Algerian statement at the Council accusing Mali of using drones and fighting alongside “foreign militias” alluding to Wagner.

Algeria’s verbal attacks on Wagner are also indicative of worsening ties with its arms supplier Russia, as the country’s impulsive diplomacy continues to deepen its isolation in the region and globally.

The Malian diplomat said Algeria offered military support to Tuareg rebels and allowed Ukrainian agents to train them, ahead of an attack in Tinzaouatine in which scores of Malian soldiers and Wagner fighters were killed.

Following the incident, Mali cut ties with Ukraine, amid worsening relations with the West.

Algeria doubled down through a mouthpiece of the military regime in Algiers which described the Tuareg rebels as “legitimate resistance,” signaling Algeria’s role in fueling the Malian infighting.

In January, Algeria’s foreign ministry threatened the Malian people of an upcoming civil war, in response to a statement by the Malian authorities accusing Algiers of hosting Tuareg rebels.

The Malians have denounced Algeria’s double-speak and its incapacity to stand as a neutral and credible mediator, citing Algeria’s connivance with Tuareg separatist groups and terrorist leaders such as Iyad Ag Ghali.