Mali: Algeria takes note of denunciation of the Algiers Peace Agreement and expresses its concerns

The Malian government made an unprecedented decision on January 25th to denounce the agreement for Peace and reconciliation in Mali, which emerged from the Algiers process and was signed in 2015. This historic agreement, in effect for nearly nine years, is now declared null and void, according to Malian authorities.

The decision is justified by alleged actions contrary to the obligations of the agreement by certain signatory groups and unfriendly acts committed by the Malian authorities, which led the international mediation, led by Algeria, to fail.

These authorities are accused of multiplying unfriendly acts, cases of hostility, and interference in Mali’s internal affairs.

In response to this decision and the accusations, the Algerian government issued a statement on January 26, 2024.

While acknowledging Mali’s decision to terminate the agreement, Algeria rejects all accusations and other reasons put forward by the Malian authorities to justify the decision.

Addressing the Malian people, Algerian authorities claim never to have failed in their role and to have acted with sincerity, good faith, and unwavering solidarity in implementing this agreement.

The Algerian statement suggests that the absence of this agreement would be a significant threat to Mali and the entire region.

On the other hand, according to the Malian government, some signatory groups to this agreement have changed their stance and become terrorist actors, pursued by Malian justice, with many taking refuge in Algeria.

Algerian authorities regret that the Malian authorities have abandoned the political option in favor of the military option, which, in the past, has proven ineffective for the unity and national integrity of Mali.

This ongoing standoff between these two African brother countries calls into question their friendly and fraternal relations.

Hopefully, a swift resolution will be found.

Stan OKAFOR