Algeria expresses dissatisfaction over Russia's role in Mali
The diplomatic clash between Algeria and Russia has been re-staged at the United Nations following the Malian army's attacks on Azawad separatists near the Algerian border. The Malian military junta has the military and logistical support of Russia - as well as the backing of Turkey - which deepens the conflict between Moscow and Algiers, which is seeking to strengthen its role in the Security Council in order to protect its interests in the conflict in northern Mali.
In this sense, Algeria's representative to the United Nations, Ammar Benjameh, stressed that the region faces ‘new challenges that threaten the stability of the countries’, underlining in this respect ‘that the presence of some private armies operating outside the sphere of international responsibility leads to a deterioration of regional security’.
The Algerian diplomat assured that ‘these types of forces, such as mercenaries’, could lead to a dangerous escalation in the region. These statements come in the context of a diplomatic crisis between Algeria and its historical and strategic ally Russia, which has long deployed members of the Wagner group in parts of the Sahel.
Benjameh has called on the UN Security Council to stop ‘mercenary activities’ in Mali, urging the international community to hold to account ‘those responsible for a drone attack’ that targeted civilians in Tinzaouatene, Mali, near the Algerian-Mali border.
The Algerian diplomat also said he was ‘working to find mechanisms to hold these parties accountable and to determine the necessary sanctions to be imposed on the countries or groups that use these private armies, as well as to adopt dissuasive measures to prevent a repetition of these crimes against innocent civilians’.
The Algerian representative's comments to the UN reflect his rejection of Wagner's role in the region, especially his support for the armies of Mali and Niger, as well as his contribution to the military coups carried out in recent years that have increased regional instability.
In addition to the fighting in northern Mali, Libyan Marshal Khalifa Haftar's military movements near the border with Algeria have also created tensions between Algeria and Russia, an ally of the Libyan military leader.
Since the BRICS summit in South Africa - where Algeria did not participate - relations between Algeria and Russia have experienced unprecedented tension despite the strategic partnership agreement signed during Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's visit to Moscow.
