Malian Prime Minister Implicitly Accuses Algeria of Supporting Terrorism in the Sahel

ALDAR/ Imman Alaoui

In a speech delivered at the International Conference on Development Financing in Seville, Mali’s Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, made a veiled yet unmistakable accusation against Algeria, referring to “foreign sponsors” behind the terrorism that has plagued the Sahel region for over a decade.

Maïga stated that “the Sahel countries have been facing terrorism imposed on them for the past ten years,” adding that this terrorism is marked by “clear involvement of foreign state sponsors”—a barely concealed reference to Algeria, which has been accused by several regional actors of playing a double role in the region’s security affairs.

His statement comes amid a tense regional climate, as accusations mount against certain regimes suspected of backing extremist groups that threaten the stability of Sahel nations. These countries are now working to redefine their security priorities away from foreign influence and political interference.

Maïga’s remarks reflect a shift in the political rhetoric of Sahel countries, who are now openly holding foreign powers accountable for the ongoing security chaos. They are also calling for fair and appropriate development financing that respects their specific conditions and remains free from any political or security guardianship.