Algerian Interest in News of Mali’s Tuaregs Reflects Bias toward Separatists

Algerian media outlets close to the government have shown increasing interest in news about Tuareg rebels in Mali (Azawad), particularly following the announcement by Azawad movements to unify their formations into a single front aimed at strengthening their ranks and capacities against the Malian army, which has been conducting offensives against rebel movements in the north of the country, near the Algerian border.

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This Algerian interest in Tuareg rebels’ news is understandable, given that northern Mali constitutes a vital area for Algeria’s national security. For years, Algeria has acted as a mediator between Azawad movements, other rebel groups, and successive Malian governments. However, its recent actions have angered Mali’s ruling military council, which accused Algeria of straying from its role as mediator and acting against Bamako’s interests, both regionally and internationally.

During his first presidential term, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune provoked the ire of Mali’s military council by hosting separatist Tuareg figures, including a religious leader known for his pro-independence stance, without prior coordination with Malian authorities. This move was perceived by Bamako as an attempt to legitimize the separatists.

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In an interview with the Algerian newspaper El Khabar, Mohamed El-Mouloud Ramadan, spokesperson for the new “Azawad Liberation Front,” which brings together Azawad movements, stated that there is no truce with Malian authorities and that the war continues. He emphasized that unifying the Azawad movements had made them stronger, effectively turning El Khabar into a platform for separatist messages.

Algerian media have also devoted significant coverage to Mali’s tensions, sometimes openly criticizing the ruling military council. These criticisms emerged after the council accused Algeria of bias and interference in Mali’s internal affairs.

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The Azawad movements, representing northern Mali’s Tuareg population, recently merged into a single entity called the “Azawad Liberation Front” to pressure the transitional authorities in Bamako. However, Ramadan dismissed the possibility of negotiations with the Malian government, stating that their goal remains war against the Malian army, Wagner mercenaries, and their allies.

The failure to implement the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord, coupled with rising tensions in northern Mali, has further complicated the situation. Algeria’s controversial role as a mediator and recent military strikes, attributed to Malian forces using Turkish drones, highlight the conflict’s escalation.

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