Interview- Mohamed Ben Mokhtar Changuiti: France tries to blackmail Algeria after In Amenas attack

France said Algeria authorized it to open its airspace in order to show that it gained support. The war in Mali is meant to secure its uranium companies in Niger and have military and security control on French-speaking countries in West Africa, Mohamed Ben Mokhtar Changuiti, a researcher specialized in the affairs of Islamic movements told Echorouk in an interview.

What is France aiming at through its military action in Mali?

All it seems that France wants to secure its companies exploiting uranium in Niger and natural resources in Azwad. As a result of that, it would have military and security control over French-speaking countries in West Africa.

Yet, the war is not the solution in Mali. The problem can be solved through respect of Mali’s national unity by its people in the south and the north. A democratic federal system can be adopted to ensure autonomy for Azwad’s Arab and Tuaregs. Amnesty can be granted to multinational jihad groups in order to integrate them in the political system.

Algeria authorized French aircrafts to use its airspace. What do you think about the Algerian position?

France does not need Algeria’s airspace as it has military bases in many countries in West Africa. Yet, France wants to overstate the situation through media to gain legitimacy for its war in Mali.

Earlier, French President Holland met with his Mauritanian counterpart. Is possible that Mauritania will accept to participate in the intervention?

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz owes his life to France following the last assassination attempt. He is excited about fighting in Mali in the place of the French.

Yet, Mauritanian public opinion is against the war. The Mauritanian army may stand against its president if he gets it involved in the desert of Mali as it did before.

France asked Gulf countries for financial support. How can they accept such a request?

France does not want to pay the price for its war in Mali. Because of that, it asked Gulf countries for financial support. Yet, I do not understand how Gulf countries can pay the price of a French war while they have nothing to do with it.