Summary: The exchange of accusations of "spreading terrorism" and the descriptions of "putschists and authoritarian soldiers" that have characterized the discourse between Algeria and Bamako over the past two years have turned their page in the face of relative calm.
The exchange of accusations of "spreading terrorism" and the descriptions of "putschists and authoritarian soldiers" that have characterized the discourse between Algeria and Bamako over the past two years have turned their page in front of a relative calm in recent months, paving the way for full normalization; It is a path based on mutual concessions that have prevailed over common interest, and close humanitarian ties across sprawling borders.
Malian Military Governor to Receive Algerian Diplomatic and Security Delegation in April 2023 (Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The Algerian-Financial relations witnessed a remarkable diplomatic breakthrough after about 15 months of stagnation and tension, as the two countries announced yesterday (Friday) a package of joint measures aimed at restoring warmth to their relations. These steps included the mutual reopening of airspace, and the confirmation of the return of the ambassadors of the two countries to exercise their official duties.
This rapprochement comes to end a complex phase of tensions that have characterized the course of relations, since the arrival of the military authority to power in Bamako led by Colonel Assimi Guetta, following the 2020 and 2021 coups, during which Mali has repeatedly accused Algeria of interfering in its affairs. Interior Ministry, while Algeria had played a pivotal role as a sponsor and key negotiator in the historic peace agreement signed in 2015 between the Malian government and the armed movements in the north, known as the «Azawad Regimes».
It is clear from reading the course of the truce between Algeria and Bamako that this diplomatic rapprochement was not a coincidence; rather, it was the result of realistic understandings, in which the two parties made mutual concessions to return the train of relations to normal, according to diplomatic sources who spoke with the «Middle East».
Meeting of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria with representatives of the Malian opposition in September 2022 (Algerian Foreign Ministry)
On the Algerian side, this pragmatism manifested itself in limiting the spaces of political and media activity of the prominent financial dissident Sheikh Mahmoud Dicko, a refugee in Algeria for a year and a half, a file that has long been a fundamental point of contention that has angered the military authorities in Bamako, which deemed his embrace to be an interference in its internal affairs; Especially since it was included in the "Scientific Council" of the "Mosque of Algiers".
The same diplomatic sources confirmed that the Malian authorities met this step with similar flexibility, as Bamako stopped the campaigns of severe media and political attack, which it was leading against its northern neighbor, and put an end to the rhetoric of treason and accusations of interference in sovereignty.
Receiving the Algerian President and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali on January 16, 2023 (Algerian Presidency)
Instead, the Malian junta preferred to return to the square of direct security and military coordination with Algeria to confront terrorist groups and transnational organized crime networks in the Sahel: “Recognizing from Bamako that the strategic depth and security expertise Algeria is indispensable in the equation of stability in the region, regardless of the multiplicity of alternative international alliances, "according to the same diplomatic sources.
On the development of the crisis between the two countries before the emergence of signs of its resolution, the Algerian expert in Sahel affairs, Koudi Bouhaniya, told Asharq Al-Awsat: "Mali is characterized by a special composition of landmarks, especially in the north, whose fronts have been raging for three decades, under the nominal control of the state only. areas, "highlighting that "with the entry of the Russian Corps (formerly Wagner Groups) on the front line, it suffered major losses surrounded by blackouts, in conjunction with the closure of the border with Algeria, which directly affected the movement of vital trade and fuel transport activity. The cessation of these activities since the outbreak of the crisis has doubled the burden of living and exacerbated inflation rates. "
Malian soldiers in the field to confront the alliance of extremists with the opposition (Bamako Bamada website)
Original source: aawsat.com
