The relationship between Algeria and Mali had significantly deteriorated in recent years, particularly following the current Malian government’s rise to power, which accused Algiers of interfering in its internal affairs.

Malian authorities have now declared the reopening of national airspace to all civilian and military aircraft operating flights to or from Algeria, according to an official government statement. Additionally, Bamako announced the return of its ambassador to Algiers, who had been recalled in April 2025, though no specific date for his resumption of duties was provided.

Just hours prior, Algiers had initiated similar reciprocal measures, announcing the reopening of its airspace to its neighbor. This decision, effective from Friday, encompasses all air traffic destined for and originating from Mali across various international routes, as confirmed by the Algerian Ministry of Defense.

Mirroring Mali’s action, Algeria also confirmed Friday the repatriation of its envoy to Bamako.

Drone incident fuels tensions

Kamel Retieb, who was serving as ambassador in Bamako before Algiers recalled him amidst a dispute stemming from the destruction of a Malian drone by Algerian forces in April 2025, will resume his ambassadorial functions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Algeria, which played a central role in negotiating the 2015 peace agreement between Bamako and armed groups in the north, witnessed its influence challenged by the new Malian leadership, which accused Algeria of meddling in its internal affairs.

Since 2012, Mali has grappled with a severe security crisis, fueled by violence from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS), alongside communal criminal gangs.

The diplomatic rift between the two countries intensified in spring 2025 following the destruction of a Malian military drone near their shared border. Algeria maintained the aircraft had breached its airspace, while Bamako insisted it was operating within its own territory.

This incident triggered a profound diplomatic crisis, characterized by the recall of ambassadors, reciprocal airspace closures, and exchanges of accusations between Algiers and the Alliance of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger).

Tensions were further exacerbated by Mali’s April announcement of support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a stance directly contrary to Algeria’s long-held position.

Despite these recent diplomatic turbulences, the two nations share an extensive border and critical security concerns, particularly the ongoing battle against jihadist groups across the Sahel region.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter