Since the announcement of negotiations between the Malian transitional government and the Russian military group Wagner regarding a potential intervention on Malian soil, warnings against the Bamako authorities have been increasing. However, while ECOWAS, the EU, and many other Malian partners oppose the arrival of the Russians, Algeria — whose relations with France have been strained for some time — appears rather supportive of a possible intervention by the Russian group.

Indeed, the withdrawal of French armed forces engaged in Operation Barkhane and the intervention of African forces grouped within the G5 Sahel have plunged the Sahel region into great security uncertainty. Geographically close, Algeria considers Mali, especially its northern part, as its backyard. Thus, it views the intervention of Russian troops, whose professionalism is seen as an asset, in securing this area without objection.

Beyond this, one cannot ignore the diplomatic stakes behind such an Algerian stance, which takes advantage of French discomfort in Africa to further weaken the former colonial power amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Mali therefore finds itself at the center of significant geopolitical dynamics, the outcome of which will be decisive for the future balance of power in the Sahel.