From crisis to rapprochement: fifteen months of tension
Algiers and Bamako have simultaneously declared the reopening of their airspaces to all flights between the two countries. Mali confirmed the return of its ambassador to Algeria, recalled in April 2025, while Algeria announced the reinstatement of its diplomatic envoy in Bamako. These actions formally end over a year of diplomatic estrangement between the neighboring states.
The drone incident that sparked the dispute
Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply following the April 2025 destruction of a Malian military drone near their shared border. Algeria claimed the aircraft had violated its airspace, a claim Bamako rejected, asserting the drone operated within its own territory. The incident triggered the recall of ambassadors, the closure of airspaces, and a wave of mutual accusations between Algeria and the Sahel States Alliance.
Ongoing disagreements amid shared priorities
Beyond this specific episode, tensions between Algiers and Bamako have simmered since the Malian junta’s rise to power in 2020 and 2021. The transitional government has repeatedly accused Algeria of interference, particularly citing Algiers’ historical role in the 2015 peace agreement between Mali’s government and northern armed groups. Disagreements further intensified after Mali openly supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a stance at odds with Algeria’s position. Despite these divisions, both nations share a lengthy border and face common security threats, notably the ongoing jihadist insurgency across the Sahel region.
