Algeria has closed its airspace to all flights to and from Mali amid escalating tensions over the downing of a drone by Algeria last week. The incident has sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two countries, with Mali accusing Algeria of being a sponsor and exporter of terrorism. The conflict began when Algeria shot down a Malian surveillance drone near their shared border. Mali’s foreign ministry condemned the action, calling it a “hostile premeditated action” and challenging Algeria’s claim that the drone had violated its airspace.
In response, Algeria dismissed the accusations as “lacking in seriousness” and refused to engage with the allegations, describing them as unworthy of attention. The diplomatic row has grown as Mali, along with its regional allies, Niger and Burkina Faso, withdrew their ambassadors from Algiers and criticized Algeria for its actions. These three countries, led by military juntas, had recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen cooperation in combating regional terrorism and instability.
Mali’s government argued that the drone was not in Algerian airspace when it was shot down, stating that the wreckage was found well within Mali’s borders, about 9.5 kilometers inside. Algeria, however, claimed the drone initially entered its airspace, exited, and then returned on an attack trajectory, which led to its decision to bring the aircraft down. This claim is part of a broader context of ongoing tension between the two countries, which have been at odds over issues related to separatist movements and regional security.
The shooting down of the drone has triggered further diplomatic fallout, with Mali accusing Algeria of complicity in providing shelter to Tuareg armed groups in the past, who have fought for independence in northern Mali. Algeria previously acted as a mediator in peace talks between Mali and the Tuareg rebels, but their relationship has deteriorated significantly since 2020, when a military coup brought the current junta to power in Bamako.
In retaliation for the downing of the drone, Mali has filed a complaint with international bodies and announced its withdrawal from a regional security grouping that includes Algeria. The Algerian government, in turn, expressed “deep dismay” over Mali’s accusations and stated that these were an attempt to divert attention from Mali’s own shortcomings in the region.
The closure of Algerian airspace to Mali’s flights is a significant escalation in this dispute. Algeria justified the move by citing repeated violations of its airspace by Mali, including this most recent incident. The closure is expected to disrupt air traffic between the two countries and has raised concerns about the broader impact on regional security cooperation.
Mali’s military forces are currently engaged in combat against ethnic Tuareg separatists in the north of the country, a region that is strategically important and sits near the border with Algeria. The area of Tinzaoutin, where the drone was shot down, is a known stronghold for Tuareg separatists, and the drone was reportedly on a mission related to counterterrorism operations against groups planning attacks on AES member countries.
Algeria has also taken steps to bolster its security along its borders, deploying troops to prevent the infiltration of militants and weapons from Mali and other parts of the Sahel region, where jihadist groups operate. This includes efforts to prevent cross-border activity by Tuareg groups and other armed factions that pose a threat to both countries’ stability.
The closure of the airspace and the continuing diplomatic tensions highlight the fragile state of relations between Algeria and Mali and underscore the challenges facing the Sahel region as it grapples with terrorism, separatism, and regional instability.
