Algeria and Mali end diplomatic freeze with airspace reopening
After fifteen months of strained relations, Algeria and Mali have taken a decisive step toward reconciliation. Both nations simultaneously announced the reopening of their airspaces to civilian and military flights, along with the return of their respective ambassadors. This pivotal decision signals the beginning of a gradual thaw in diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries.
Breaking a diplomatic stalemate
Alger and Bamako have jointly declared the resumption of air travel between their territories, effectively ending a prolonged period of restricted mobility. The Malian government confirmed the reinstatement of its ambassador to Algeria, who was recalled in April 2025, while Algeria announced the return of its envoy to Bamako. These reciprocal actions mark the conclusion of 15 months of diplomatic estrangement.
Root causes of the crisis
The breakdown in relations stemmed from a military drone incident along their shared border in April 2025. Algeria claimed the drone had violated its airspace, a narrative disputed by Mali, which maintained the aircraft was operating within its own borders. This clash led to the recall of ambassadors, the closure of airspaces, and a series of mutual accusations between Algeria and the Sahel States Alliance (AES).
Unresolved disputes amid cooperation
Beyond this specific episode, tensions between Algiers and Bamako have simmered since the Malian junta’s rise to power in 2020–2021. The transitional authorities frequently accused Algeria of interference, citing its pivotal role in the 2015 peace agreement between Mali’s government and northern armed groups. Disagreements further intensified when Mali openly supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a stance diametrically opposed to Algeria’s position. Despite these fundamental differences, the two countries share a long border and face common security threats, particularly the escalating activity of jihadist groups across the Sahel.
