Following the destruction of a Malian drone by Algiers, diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Mali are intensifying. The Algerian government is citing recurring violations of its airspace and refuting the Malian authorities’ claims of “unfounded” allegations.
Circumstances of the drone’s destruction
The Algerian government firmly rejects what it calls “baseless attempts” to blame Algeria. Algeria does not need to provide a justification for its “consistent and credible” commitment to the fight against terrorism.
Regarding the drone incident, Algiers supports the version provided by the Ministry of National Defense. Algerian airspace was violated by the Malian aircraft on three occasions: on August 27, December 29, 2024, and April 1, 2025. It was intercepted following a trajectory considered “offensive.” According to radar images, the drone crossed the border over a distance of 1.6 km at midnight, before abruptly returning to the area. These factors led the Algerian Air Defense Command to order its destruction.
Algiers expresses dismay
The sudden intensification of the diplomatic crisis between Algeria and Mali was triggered by the destruction of a Malian drone near the border. While the Malian government accuses “clear aggression” and is considering international legal action, Algiers responded with an official statement denying the allegations.
“The Algerian government has noted, with a sense of great dismay,” the Malian statement and that of the College of Heads of State of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Algeria also criticized the AES, regretting the systematic, thoughtless alignment of Burkina Faso and Niger with Bamako’s positions. The Algerian government’s use of “outrageous language” toward it drew condemnation, accompanied by the announcement of reciprocal measures. In particular, the recall of its representatives in Mali and Niger, as well as the report on the installation of its new ambassador to Burkina Faso.
Airspace Closure
Algeria and Mali have each taken turns banning access to their airspace for all flights to or from the other nation. In a climate of heightened diplomatic tensions, marked by mutual accusations and a military incident at the border, tensions between Algiers and Bamako have thus intensified.
In practical terms, this mutual airspace closure has a direct impact on commercial connections. Air Algérie resumed flights to Bamako on December 2, 2024, following a suspension in September of that year. This escalation could have lasting consequences for economic transactions.
The AES summons its ambassadors for consultations
As for Bamako, it maintains its position: the drone, bearing the registration TZ-98D, was reportedly shot down 9.5 km south of the border, in the Malian zone. The Algerian ambassador was summoned by the government, which also announced its disengagement from the Joint Staff Committee (CEMOC).
In a joint statement, the College of Heads of State of the AES described the incident as an “aggression against all members” of the Confederation, expressing its great dismay. The AES accused Algeria of endangering security in the region. The AES also summoned its ambassadors for consultations.
