From crisis to détente: Fifteen months of diplomatic freeze
Algiers and Bamako simultaneously declared the reopening of their airspaces to all flights, marking a decisive shift in their relations. Mali confirmed the return of its ambassador to Algeria, recalled in April 2025, while Algeria announced the reinstatement of its envoy in Bamako. These actions bring an end to over fifteen months of diplomatic estrangement between the two neighboring states.
The drone incident that triggered the rupture
The deterioration in relations stemmed from an April 2025 incident in which a Malian military drone was destroyed near their shared border. Algeria claimed the aircraft had violated its airspace, a narrative Bamako firmly rejected, insisting the drone operated within its own territory. The dispute led to the recall of ambassadors, airspace closures, and a cascade of mutual accusations between Algeria and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Shared challenges amid lingering disagreements
Beyond the drone incident, tensions between Algiers and Bamako have simmered since the Malian junta came to power in 2020 and 2021. The transitional authorities frequently accused Algeria of interference, citing its pivotal role in the 2015 peace accord between Mali’s government and northern armed groups. Disagreements further escalated when Mali openly supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a stance diametrically opposed to Algeria’s position. Despite these rifts, the two countries share a lengthy border and face common security threats, particularly the presence of jihadist groups across the Sahel region.
