On Thursday, the Mauritanian government once again denounced “ numerous movements between armed groups and the Malian army » on the border between the two countries. He clarified through his spokesperson that the Mauritanian army will defend its citizens outside and inside Mauritania. What are the reactions in Bamako?
1 min
With our regional correspondent, Serge Daniel
It should first be remembered that a little over two weeks ago, Nouakchott had already accused the Malian army of having committed abuses against Mauritanian civilians on the border between the two countries. How do we react in the Malian capital after this new exit from the Mauritanian authorities?
Read alsoMali: Mauritanian Defense Minister received in Bamako to discuss tensions at the border
The tone used by the spokesperson for the Mauritanian government came as a bit of a surprise in official circles in Bamako: “ We have channels to exchange. Why these public and threatening words? “, asks for example a senior officer from the Malian Ministry of Defense. Another interlocutor recalls the official line on the incidents at the border between the two countries: “ With the sister country of Mauritania, yes, for the continuation of dialogue, but the defense of our territory will remain a priority “.
THE Mali recognizes that it currently still has troops circulating on one of its borders with the Mauritania, but on the Mali side. Recently, Mauritania accused the Malian army and fighters from the Russian company Wagner of having committed abuses against its nationals on the same border. To calm the tension, an official Malian delegation went to Mauritania. For its part, Nouakchott dispatched special envoys to Bamako. Obviously, that’s not enough to lower the tension.
Read alsoThree civilians injured after an incursion by the Malian army and Wagner into Mauritania