Hundreds of Malians have recently gathered outside the Algerian Embassy in Bamako to protest what they called Algeria’s interference in Mali’s internal affairs.
The demonstrators expressed frustration over what they perceived as Algeria’s unwarranted meddling in the country’s political and security issues, chanting slogans demanding respect for Mali’s sovereignty.
Relations between Algeria and Mali have historically been marked by a mix of cooperation and tension. While Algeria has played a key role in mediating peace agreements in Mali, including the 2015 Algiers Accord aimed at resolving conflicts with northern armed groups, critics in Mali accuse the Algerian government of pursuing its own strategic interests at Mali’s expense.
The recent protests signal growing discontent over Algeria’s influence, which many Malians view as increasingly overbearing.
The protest in Bamako highlights the fragile relationship between the two countries, which have also faced challenges over border security, armed group activity, and Algeria’s diplomatic maneuvers in the Sahel region.
As Mali seeks to assert its independence in regional matters, the rift with Algeria could further complicate efforts to stabilize the conflict-prone region..