Algeria and Mali restore diplomatic ties and open airspaces

Tensions between Algeria and Mali had escalated in recent years, particularly after the current Malian government accused Algiers of meddling in its internal affairs.

In a significant step toward reconciliation, Bamako announced the reopening of its national airspace to all civilian and military aircraft operating flights to and from Algeria. The government statement did not specify an exact date but confirmed the return of Mali’s ambassador to Algiers, who had been recalled in April 2025.

Hours earlier, Algeria mirrored the decision, lifting restrictions on its airspace for all flights to and from Mali, effective immediately. The Algerian Ministry of Defense outlined that the move applies to all international destinations connected through Malian airspace.

Mali also confirmed the imminent return of its ambassador to Algeria, restoring full diplomatic representation. The envoy, Kamel Retieb, who served in Bamako before his recall, is set to resume his duties following months of strained relations.

Root causes of the diplomatic rift

The crisis was triggered in April 2025 when Algerian forces shot down a Malian military drone near their shared border. While Algeria claimed the aircraft violated its airspace, Mali insisted it was operating within its own territory. This incident sparked a severe diplomatic fallout, leading to mutual ambassador recalls and the closure of both countries’ airspaces.

Relations further deteriorated when Mali publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a stance directly opposed to Algeria’s position. The move strained ties within the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Shared security challenges and future cooperation

Despite these disputes, both nations share a lengthy border and face common security threats from jihadist groups operating across the Sahel. Algeria previously played a pivotal role in brokering the 2015 peace agreement between Bamako and northern armed factions, though its influence has waned under the current Malian leadership.

The resumption of diplomatic and air travel ties signals a potential easing of tensions, offering hope for renewed collaboration in addressing regional instability.