By Mohammed Ghani
Algiers, Algeria – Tensions between Algeria and Mali have escalated dramatically, resulting in both countries imposing airspace closures to flights originating from or destined for the other. The move comes after Mali accused Algeria of sponsoring terrorism following the downing of a Malian drone near their shared border last week.
Algeria initially banned flights to and from Mali, citing repeated airspace violations. In response, Mali announced its own reciprocal ban on all Algerian flights. The airspace closures mark a significant downturn in relations between the two nations, which were once allied in regional security efforts.
The dispute centers around the downing of a drone near Tinzaoutin, a town straddling the Mali-Algeria border and a stronghold for ethnic Tuareg separatists fighting Mali’s armed forces. Mali’s Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement on Sunday, challenging Algeria’s explanation that the drone had violated its airspace and condemning the downing as a “hostile premeditated action.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Mali accused Algeria of being a sponsor of terrorism, alleging that the drone was crucial to neutralizing a terrorist group planning attacks against the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc formed last year by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These accusations were dismissed by Algeria as “lacking in seriousness” and unworthy of a response.
In a further sign of deteriorating relations, Mali, along with its AES allies, has recalled its ambassadors from Algiers. Mali has also summoned the Algerian ambassador in Bamako and announced its withdrawal from a regional security grouping that includes Algeria, vowing to file a complaint with “international bodies.”
Algeria, in its response, expressed “deep dismay” at the Malian and AES statements, describing Mali’s allegations as an attempt to divert attention from its own failures. Algeria also stated that the downed drone marked the third violation of its airspace by Mali in recent months.
According to Algeria’s defense ministry, the drone “penetrated our airspace over a distance of 2km [1.24 miles]” before being shot down near Tinzaoutin. The ministry further clarified that the aircraft had entered Algerian airspace, exited, and then returned on an “attack trajectory.” However, Mali denies the drone violated Algerian airspace, claiming the wreckage was found 9.5km inside its own borders.
The dispute underscores the complex regional dynamics in the Sahel, where Algeria has long played a role as a mediator in conflicts. Mali regularly accuses Algeria of providing sanctuary to Tuareg armed groups. While Algeria once served as a key mediator in the conflict between Mali and the separatists, relations have soured since the military took power in Bamako in 2020.
Algeria recently deployed troops along its borders to prevent the infiltration of militants and weapons from jihadist groups operating in the region, highlighting its concerns about the escalating security situation in the Sahel. The current airspace closures and accusations of terrorism mark a significant escalation of tensions and raise concerns about the future of regional cooperation and security.
