Mali: Algeria once again provokes at the United Nations Council
The recent address by Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Amir Bendjama, during the session marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention, exposes a stark hypocrisy within the Algerian state.
By urging the UN Council to sanction the so-called “violations committed by private armies against civilian populations,” Algeria appears to be diverting attention from the complex realities on the ground in Mali, where its role is increasingly viewed as ambiguous, if not detrimental.
It is worth noting that Algeria has been a well-known supporter of armed groups that have instilled terror in Mali.
These groups, allegedly funded and sheltered by Algiers, have carried out deadly attacks on innocent civilians, with Algeria showing little regard for the humanitarian principles it now claims to champion.
The country, which bears significant responsibility for the current insecurity in Mali, is attempting to position itself as a human rights defender only when its own protégés face military setbacks.
The collaboration between the Malian Armed Forces and Russian instructors is part of a legitimate effort to reclaim national territory and combat terrorism.
Algeria’s characterization of terrorists as “Malian civilians” when they are neutralized reveals not only bad faith but also an attempt to manipulate the international community into protecting elements that threaten regional peace and stability.
Algeria’s irresponsibility in this context is evident. Rather than condemning the actions of those who terrorize the population, it chooses to criticize those who are working to restore order and security.
This hypocritical stance before the United Nations Council only serves to highlight the duplicity of a state that claims to defend human rights while simultaneously fueling instability in neighboring countries.
Mali, supported by its allies, has the sovereign right to defend its territory and protect its citizens from terrorist forces. Instead of playing the hypocrisy card, Algeria should focus on ending its support for groups that undermine regional security. The international community must remain vigilant against such maneuvers and recognize where the true threat to peace and stability in the Sahel lies.
And when we speak of the international community, it’s clear that we are not referring to those who seek to maintain influence over countries by exporting conflict.
Titi KEITA
