Algeria reaffirms support for Mali’s unity, rejects ‘all forms of terrorism’

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf expressed support on Monday for the unity of Mali following recent armed attacks targeting military sites, reiterating his country’s rejection of “all forms of terrorism.”

In statements carried by Algeria’s state-run international news channel Al 24 News, Attaf reaffirmed Algeria’s “clear and consistent position supporting Mali’s unity, land, people, and institutions.”

Algeria “categorically rejects all forms and manifestations of terrorism, which cannot be justified or tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.

Attaf also called for strengthening national cohesion within Mali, describing it as “the best deterrent against terrorism” and a reliable shield against instability.

Ties between Algeria and Mali have been strained for more than two years, particularly after Mali’s military authorities withdrew from the 2015 Algiers Peace Agreement.

Mali's defense minister died in hospital from injuries he suffered in an attack on his home, the government said on Sunday.

According to a government statement, a suicide attacker driving a car detonated a vehicle-borne explosive device targeting the minister’s residence in Kati, a key military town near the capital Bamako.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul