Algeria Condemns Malian Junta’s Accusations at the UN

Algeria has strongly rejected accusations from Malian junta Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf denouncing the claims during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.

Algeria reaffirmed its “full commitment” to regional stability in the Sahel and expressed its readiness to build strong relations with all neighbors. Attaf sharply rebuked the Malian leader’s recent allegations that Algeria “supports international terrorism” and destroyed a Malian drone on April 1 after it crossed into Algerian airspace.

On Friday, Maïga escalated tensions by accusing Algeria of interference and threatening retaliation: “In adversity, we will not be spectators [...]. For every word used out of place, we will respond in kind.”

Attaf Rejects Malian Claims

“For the second year in a row, a Malian coup leader has dared to attack Algeria from this platform,” Attaf said, describing Maïga’s speech as “the rantings of a soldier” filled with “baseness, vulgarity, and rudeness.”

He stressed that Mali’s leadership should focus on “restoring security, improving living standards, and providing a government worthy of its rich history,” instead of “blaming others for their failures.”

Algeria’s Hand Remains Outstretched

Despite the sharp words, Attaf reaffirmed Algeria’s enduring commitment to Mali, stating that “the Republic of Mali deserves better than these coup leaders.”

He concluded by insisting that Algeria’s hand “remains outstretched,” its patience intact, and its efforts unwavering in maintaining close ties with the Malian people, “despite the malice of those who seek to harm these relations.”