The Algerian ambassador to Mali has returned to his post in Bamako. For reasons linked to diplomatic tensions between Bamako and Algiers, he was recalled two weeks ago by his country. Mali had also recalled its ambassador to Algiers who was preparing to return to his post on Sunday. End of the quarrel between the two countries?
1 min
With our regional correspondent, Serge Daniel
It is a small step towards the diplomatic thaw. And it is Algeria which is taking the first step. Its ambassador in Bamako returned to his post two weeks after his recall for consultation by the authorities of his country. Back, El Haoues Riache will very quickly start working to strengthen relations between Bamako and Algiers. He will probably have his work cut out for him. The Malian ambassador in Algiers, for his part, has not yet returned to his post even if it is planned.
Then, among Mali’s reproaches to its big neighbor, there is the red carpet recently rolled out in the Algerian capital for rebels from the Kidal region. According to our information, they are still on Algerian territory. Another issue on the table: the peace agreement signed in 2015 between Mali and armed groups in the North. Algeria is guarantor of the agreement. However, it was officially announced in Bamako the upcoming opening of a dialogue “ direct between Malians “. The Kidal rebels, for their part, have already announced that they will not participate in this meeting. Between the two camps, Algeria must be very skillful to regain control of the issue.