Video purporting to show Azawad Fighters in Algeria deepens Mali tensions

This is the first video officially documenting the ALF’s presence on Algerian territory. The public display of the flags could also represent a form of tolerance and support from the Algerian government for the ALF’s separatism, at a time when Algiers has recently publicly abandoned its support for the independence of Western Sahara. The development comes at a time of strained relations between Algeria and Mali.

For months, authorities in Bamako have accused Algeria of ambiguity in its handling armed groups operating in northern Mali. Analysts have previously warned that relations between the two countries risk further deterioration amid growing mistrust, increased militarization and competing geopolitical interests across the Sahel. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.