Moussa AG Acharatoumane: "We need the action of international partners to fight Daesh"

Moussa AG Acharatoumane, a member of Mali's National Transitional Council and spokesperson for the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP), discusses the threat posed by terrorist groups in the Sahel in an interview with Atalayar. The CSP was created in September 2021 following a peace and reconciliation agreement between the main armed groups in northern Mali. 

The current transition in Mali is going well, especially with the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions. Sanctions against us, including economic and financial sanctions, have recently been lifted and a timetable has been set to organise an electoral process. We can therefore say that the transition has gained new momentum in recent weeks.

The situation is difficult because of the expansion of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organisations. For example, today, northern and central Mali is practically occupied by these organisations. They are putting pressure on the different states in the different areas and are also fighting among themselves. Unfortunately, our states are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with these organisations, so if there is no international mobilisation to try to help Mali, Burkina and Niger, these countries will find it difficult to cope with the rise of these terrorist organisations.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to make progress lately in the Sahel regions, especially in the so-called three-border area between Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. As a fact, since March until today, unfortunately, Daesh has killed almost 1000 civilians. In less than 3 months. In addition, they have burned markets and destroyed entire villages, creating an unprecedented humanitarian situation in the so-called 3 borders area. Unfortunately, today we are the only movement fighting against this organisation and trying to stop its advance. For example, a few days ago, we confronted them. But we still need the solidarity and action of all the Maghreb states, Niger and international partners to fight Daesh.

Yes, I think both Europe and NATO have a responsibility in all this because, unfortunately, whether we like it or not, it is the war in Libya that has caused the Sahel to become an uncontrolled area. When we hit Libya, we hit the anthill. There was an expansion of arms into Mali and into the countries of the region. So the Libyan issue today is an issue for which Europe and the international community have a share of responsibility. And as long as this is not resolved, it will be difficult to stabilise the Sahel. That is why Europe, NATO and the international community have their share of responsibility and I believe that today more than ever they must look at what is happening in Libya and try to reduce the damage caused in the Sahel.