Tebboune’s L’Opinion interview shows meddling in French, Malian domestic affairs

During his interview with L’Opinion, Algeria’s President Abdelmedjid Tebboune doubled down on interferences in domestic issues of France and Mali.

The same president has been using conspiracy theories to distract attention from the worsening economic and social conditions in his country. Warning of foreign interference without offering evidence has become a national sport among the Algerian political class.

Tebboune’s improvisation however vindicates both France and Mali.

The Algerian president told L’Opinion that he warned Macron against taking a stand in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

This meddling in French foreign affairs shows Algeria is the real party to the Sahara conflict using the Polisario as a proxy to unsettle Morocco. It also reflects the lack of respect Tebboune has for sovereign French decisions.

Tebboune also mentioned that Algeria has a development plan for northern Mali. This unsolicited development plan reflects the patronizing and condescending attitude the military regime has towards its southern neighbors.

It also explains the recent stands of the Malian foreign policy towards Algeria and its denunciation of Algerian meddling in Mali’s domestic affairs.

Adding salt to injury, Tebboune said Imam Mohamed Dicko was welcome in Algeria. Mali had warned that Algeria was pulling the triggers and protecting the Salafi extremist Sheikh who has close links to armed groups Bamako is battling in northern Mali.

Mali has on multiple occasions accused Algeria of backing terrorism in northern Mali.

Not to mention Morocco, where the Algerian regime has threatened to step up military support for the Polisario in their provocative acts in defiance of the UN-brokered ceasefire in the Sahara territory.