Fifteen months of diplomatic deadlock come to an end

Alger and Bamako have simultaneously declared the reopening of their airspaces to all flights, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations. Bamako confirmed the return of its ambassador to Algeria, who was recalled in April 2025, while Algiers announced the reinstatement of its diplomat in Bamako. These actions put an end to a prolonged period of strained relations between the two neighboring states.

The drone incident that sparked the crisis

The deterioration in relations began in April 2025, when a Malian military drone was shot down near the shared border. Algiers stated the aircraft had violated its airspace, a claim Bamako firmly rejected, insisting the drone remained within Malian territory. The incident triggered a chain reaction: ambassadors were recalled, airspaces were closed, and mutual accusations were exchanged between Algeria and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Ongoing disagreements despite shared interests

Beyond this specific episode, tensions between Algiers and Bamako have simmered since the Malian junta came to power in 2020 and 2021. The transitional authorities in Mali have repeatedly accused Algeria of interference, particularly due to its historical role in the 2015 peace agreement between Mali and northern armed groups. Disagreements further escalated after Mali’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a position directly at odds with Algeria’s stance. Despite these persistent differences, both countries share a long border and face common security challenges, including the ongoing threat posed by jihadist groups across the Sahel region.