Mali's northern goals may hurt relations with Algeria

Significance

Dicko met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Algiers claimed the meetings with northern armed groups were part of a mediation effort regarding which Malian authorities were consulted; Bamako has denied this.

Impacts

• As part of its rapprochement with Morocco, Mali may recognise Rabat's claims to Western Sahara.
• A strong security presence in southern Algeria makes a major Tuareg rebellion there unlikely.
• Repression of opposition parties, civil society and media is likely to intensify in Mali.