Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it had formally conveyed its “strong rejection” to Saudi authorities over the entry of Al Arabiya and Al Hadath correspondent Ibrahim Mostafa into Malian territory “illegally,” describing the incident as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement, the ministry said the journalist entered Mali “in clear violation” of the country’s laws, adding that the operation was carried out “in coordination with terrorist groups,” without providing further details regarding the allegations.
The statement accused the correspondent of disseminating “false and unfounded information” aimed at damaging the image of Mali’s defense and security forces, describing the actions as a “serious breach” of journalistic ethics.
Mali’s foreign ministry added that such conduct, which it described as “unacceptable,” by media organizations based in Saudi Arabia “could affect bilateral relations” between the two countries, which maintain longstanding historical ties.
The ministry stressed that Mali would take all legal measures against any actions undermining the country’s sovereignty, unity, or territorial integrity, adding that the state “will not tolerate any violation of its national sovereignty.”
No official response had been issued by Saudi authorities or by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath regarding the allegations made by Bamako.
