Algerian Radio
The President of the Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, expressed his regret over the prevailing situation in Mali, calling on the authorities of the country to engage in dialogue with the people, while emphasizing the existing bonds of brotherhood between Algeria and Mali.
During his periodic media interview with representatives of the national press, broadcast Saturday evening on national television and radio channels, the President of the Republic stated: “We regret what is happening in Mali. This is not out of speculation, but we knew that things would escalate because Mali has entered a phase that could only lead to instability.”
The President of the Republic emphasized that “the path of wisdom is . . . to engage in dialogue with the people and to attempt, even if the assumption of power did not occur through constitutional means, to give it a constitutional character.”
The President of the Republic further noted that “Algeria has never and will never interfere in the internal affairs of Mali or any other countries.”
In the same context, he regretted that “certain elements who failed on the national level' are seeking a party to blame, particularly by directing accusations against Algeria.” The President of the Republic continued, stating: “Algeria has always been a fraternal country to Mali.”
On another note, the President of the Republic was keen to emphasize that “the Algiers Accords (2015) is a matter that concerns Mali and is not an Algerian affair.”
He further stated: “Some try to portray this as Algerian interference in Mali's internal affairs. No. These agreements were the result of past events; every time there is a change in Mali's leadership, there is an attempt to resolve the issue through force. However, force does not solve problems.”
In this regard, the President of the Republic emphasized that the Malian people always, ultimately, return to dialogue, notably with the assistance of Algeria.
He also expressed his “conviction” in the Malians' ability to overcome this situation, reminding that Algeria stands ready to extend a helping hand if requested, as it has consistently done since 1962. He added: “I speak from the heart because we love Mali.”
He continued: “We will not leave, and Mali will not leave. Extremism has never been effective,” highlighting the historical bonds that unite the two countries.
He added: “What we have achieved with other fraternal African countries, including Niger, serves as an example for the entire continent, and confirms day after day our belonging to the African continent.”
He pointed out that this vision necessitates the development of cooperation with African countries across various fields.
The President of the Republic also expressed Algeria's will to strengthen its relations, particularly with Burkina Faso and Chad, as part of efforts aimed at achieving true African integration.
Responding to a question about Algerian-American relations, the President of the Republic clarified that they “have always been good” and are witnessing continuous improvement, highlighting that “the Americans recognize Algeria's stature in Africa.”
The President of the Republic also noted that Algeria will never abandon its friends, such as Russia and China, nor its brothers like Indonesia, reminding that Algeria has remained a non-aligned country.
He stressed that Algeria is a country that will never accept the establishment of any foreign military base on its territory, and it is precisely this that makes Algeria a credible nation.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, the President of the Republic stated that the only solution lies in the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, emphasizing that the sought-after “peace of the graveyards” is a “genocide that will only lead to the International Criminal Court.”
He pointed out that when Algeria was a member of the Security Council (2024-2025), “we would spend ten or fifteen days debating a single comma or word in resolutions” concerning Palestine.
He added: “There is a deep respect from the United States toward Algeria, and this has not changed,” noting that “Algeria's steadfastness in defending Palestine has earned it the respect of the United States, among other nations.”
Regarding Western Sahara, he noted that “there is a UN resolution making its way without obstacles between us (Algeria and the United States), and they are aware of our ideas.”
