Thawing tensions after fifteen months of diplomatic freeze

Algiers and Bamako simultaneously confirmed the reopening of their airspaces to both civilian and military flights. Mali also announced the return of its ambassador to Algeria, recalled in April 2025, while Algeria confirmed the reinstatement of its diplomatic envoy in Bamako. These measures bring an end to over fifteen months of strained relations between the two states.

Drone incident triggers 15-month diplomatic rift

The deterioration of relations between the two neighbors followed the destruction of a Malian military drone near their shared border in April 2025. Algeria claimed the aircraft had entered its airspace, a claim Bamako contested, asserting the drone was operating within Mali’s territory. The incident led to the recall of ambassadors, airspace closures, and a series of mutual accusations between Algeria and the Sahel Alliance member states.

Ongoing disagreements amid shared interests

Beyond this incident, Algeria and Mali’s relations have faced strain since the Malian junta assumed power in 2020 and 2021. The Malian authorities have repeatedly accused Algeria of interference, particularly due to its historical role in the 2015 peace agreement between Mali’s government and northern armed groups. Tensions further escalated after Mali’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a stance opposed by Algiers. Despite these differences, the two countries share a long border and face common security challenges, including the fight against jihadist groups active in the Sahel region.