Algeria–Mali relations

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Algerian–Malian relations
Map indicating locations of Algeria and Mali

Algeria

Mali

Algeria–Mali relations refers to bilateral relations between Algeria and Mali. Algeria maintains an embassy in Bamako and a consulate in Gao, while Mali has an embassy in Algiers.

The relationship between Algeria and Mali, both former French colonies, has become a major obstacle for these neighboring states, as they share a long border that includes the Sahel desert. As predominantly Sunni Muslim countries, recent instability in Mali - notably in the Azawad region, home to the Tuareg people - has resulted in a significant al-Qaeda presence in the Islamic Maghreb,[1] posing a challenge for Algeria. In response, Algeria has fortified its border and deployed more troops to secure the border with Mali.[2] The growing threat of militants from Mali has led Algeria and the United States to discuss how to counter their extremist actions.[3][4]

Despite these challenges, Algeria and Mali have been working to diversify their economic cooperation.[5] Algeria has emerged as a major investor in Mali, due in part to its relatively lower poverty rate and greater economic progress.

In December 2023, Mali recalled its ambassador to Algeria after accusing him of interfering in its internal affairs by meeting with rebel leaders, thus intensifying diplomatic tensions over efforts to end separatist and Islamist insurgencies in northern Mali.[6]

Migration

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Malian immigrants form at least 1% of the Algerian population, with most of them living in coastal cities such as Oran, Constantine, Algiers, Tamanrasset and Adrar Provinces.[7][8][9]

2012 seizure of Algerian consulate

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During the Tuareg rebellion of 2012, the Algerian consulate was seized by at least two people wearing explosives belts. Seven hostages were taken, including the consul. In regards to Azawad's UDI, Algeria's Prime Minister has declared it would never "accept questioning Mali's territorial integrity" Algeria has planned to co-ordinate with MNLA to work towards freeing the hostages.

References

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  1. ^ Richter, Line (2016-04-27). "On the Edge of Existence: Malian Migrants in the Maghreb". Culture Unbound. 8 (1): 74–87. doi:10.3384/cu.2000.1525.168174. ISSN 2000-1525.
  2. ^ "Algeria beefs up army presence on Mali border". Al Jazeera. 5 February 2013.
  3. ^ "In Algeria And Mali, Al Qaeda-Tied Terrorists Pose Challenge For U.S. Forces". Huffington Post. 17 January 2013.
  4. ^ Gordon, Michael R. (29 October 2012). "U.S. and Algeria discuss ousting Mali militants". The New York Times.
  5. ^ "Algeria, Mali Willing to Diversify Bilateral Relations". All Africa. 1 September 2015.
  6. ^ "Mali recalls its envoy in Algeria after alleging interference, deepening tensions over peace efforts". AP News. 23 December 2023.
  7. ^ Zardo, Federica; Loschi, Chiara (2022-03-15). "EU-Algeria (non)cooperation on migration: A tale of two fortresses". Mediterranean Politics. 27 (2): 148–169. doi:10.1080/13629395.2020.1758453. hdl:11585/797235. ISSN 1362-9395.
  8. ^ Raouf, Kaouache; Reda, Bougherza (2022-07-30). "Economic Adaptation of Refugees in Algeria: A Comparative Study of Syrian and Malian Emigrants'". Dirasat: Human and Social Sciences. 49 (4): 354–361. doi:10.35516/hum.v49i4.2086. ISSN 2663-6190.
  9. ^ Farrah, Raouf (2023-01-13). The Governance of Irregular Migration in Southern Algeria: Politics, Smuggling and Migrant Pathways. University of Ottawa (Thesis). doi:10.20381/RUOR-28706.



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