AES Confederation 'will not stand by in the face of attacks,' Mali PM tells UN
On Fri, Mali's Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, addressed the United Nations, accusing Algeria of engaging in 'international terrorism' following the downing of a Malian army drone. Algeria claimed that the drone had entered its airspace.
On Fri, Mali's Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, addressed the United Nations, accusing Algeria of engaging in 'international terrorism' following the downing of a Malian army drone. Algeria claimed that the drone had entered its airspace.
The Prime Minister emphasized solidarity with Burkina Faso and Niger, stating that the three nations would collectively respond to any attacks.
Maïga highlighted the cooperation within the AES Confederation, formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal from the ECOWAS alliance. These countries are enhancing their Defense and Security Forces by focusing on mass recruitment, training, and equipping their personnel to combat terrorism effectively.
The Prime Minister called upon the United Nations to support the AES Confederation's efforts to maintain stability in Africa.
Recently, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso exited the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, criticizing it as "selective justice."
On Fri, Mali's Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, addressed the United Nations, accusing Algeria of engaging in 'international terrorism' following the downing of a Malian army drone.
Historically, Algeria has been a mediator in Mali's conflicts with Tuareg rebels. However, relations have soured following military coups in Mali during 2020 and 2021, which shifted governance to military leaders.
Mali has initiated legal proceedings against Algeria in the International Court of Justice, alleging the deliberate destruction of a Malian military drone on March 31 near Tinzaouaten in the Kidal region. Mali contends that this action was an attempt to impede its military operations against armed insurgents.
The Malian Ministry of Territorial Administration criticized Algeria's actions as a violation of international norms, asserting that Algeria failed to provide evidence of the drone's incursion into its airspace.
Algeria confirmed the drone's destruction, stating it had entered Algerian airspace near Tin Zaouatine, a strategic location for Tuareg separatists. However, Algeria did not specify the drone's ownership.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger continue to face challenges from militant insurgencies, including factions affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Following the military coups, Mali expelled French forces and sought security partnerships with Russia. Despite these changes, the security landscape remains unstable, with increased attacks from extremist groups.
The rising tensions between Algeria and Mali, along with Mali's pivot towards new alliances, reflect a shifting geopolitical dynamic in the region.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
