Mali and Algeria have reopened their airspace and reinstated their respective ambassadors, effectively ending a diplomatic rift that persisted for over a year following the downing of a Malian armed drone near their shared border.
Diplomatic Normalization Announced
Mali's military junta issued a statement late Friday confirming it would restore the Algerian ambassador to Bamako and open its airspace to all civilian and military aircraft operating flights to or from Algeria. Algerian media outlets also confirmed the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two North African and Sahelian nations.
The two countries had recalled their ambassadors and closed their airspace in April 2025 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone, accusing Mali of repeatedly violating its airspace. Mali denied those allegations.
Background of Strained Relations
Tensions between the Malian military junta and Algeria have been escalating for two years, particularly after Mali ended a crucial 2015 peace deal with local Azawad separatists, a pact largely mediated by Algeria. The Azawad rebels have long sought to establish an independent state in northern Mali, fueling a violent conflict that has plagued the West African nation for over a decade.
Mali's junta has accused Algeria of backing local extremist rebels linked to Al-Qaeda, a charge Algeria denies.
Recent Military Developments
On Friday, Mali's military announced it had broken a rebel blockade around the Anéfis military camp, a strategic army base in the north, following violent clashes between the Azawad Liberation Front and the Malian army. The army was supported by Russian Africa Corps allies and local militias.
