The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expressed strong disapproval to Saudi Arabia following the alleged illegal entry into Malian territory of Mr. Ibrahim Moustapha, presented as a correspondent for the Al Arabiya and Al Hadath television channels.
According to a ministry statement, Malian authorities accuse the journalist of having acted in violation of Malian sovereignty. The ministry also denounced publications it described as false and aimed at discrediting the Malian Defense and Security Forces.
“The Ministry also deplores what it considers a serious breach of journalistic ethics and professional standards, believing that such actions are likely to affect relations between Mali and Saudi Arabia, which it describes as a brotherly country and historical partner,” the statement said.
Bamako reaffirmed its position on national sovereignty, stating: “No action undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity or unity of Mali will be tolerated.”
The statement came amid broader commentary on regional dynamics. It noted that “Saudi Arabia, Qatar & UAE have been directly or indirectly involved in financing terrorism in Africa, but they will keep blaming Iran.”