Faith Nyasuguta
Algeria and Mali have suspended flights to and from each other’s airspace, following a dramatic escalation in their diplomatic tensions, governments announced on Monday.
The disagreement began on April 1, when Algeria’s defense ministry reported that its military had downed an armed surveillance drone it claimed violated its airspace near the town of Tinzaouaten, located in the Saharan region. Algeria accused Mali of breaching its sovereignty, and the incident quickly gained attention, with both countries exchanging blame.
Mali, however, contested the claims, stating that the wreckage of the drone was found 9.5 kilometers south of the border with Algeria. The Malian government insisted the aircraft did not enter Algerian airspace, accusing Algeria of engaging in hostile actions. The dispute further deepened when Algeria’s foreign ministry defended its position, citing radar data that confirmed a 1.6 km breach into its airspace. Algeria claimed that repeated violations by Mali justified the flight suspension.
In response, Mali’s transport and infrastructure ministry closed its airspace to Algerian flights, accusing Algeria of “persisting in sponsoring international terrorism,” though no specific evidence was provided to support the claim.
The diplomatic spat over the drone incident quickly escalated, with Mali, joined by its regional allies Burkina Faso and Niger, recalling their ambassadors from Algeria. In retaliation, Algeria recalled its ambassadors to Niger and Mali and postponed the arrival of its new ambassador to Burkina Faso.
The three junta-led countries, collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), released a joint statement condemning Algeria’s actions as “irresponsible.” This diplomatic rupture marks a significant moment in the relationship between Algeria and the three Sahelian nations, which have increasingly aligned themselves in opposition to external influences in the region.
As tensions continue to rise, many are concerned about the potential for further deterioration in relations between the two nations.
RELATED:
