Thaw after 15 months of diplomatic standoff

Alger and Bamako have jointly declared the resumption of air traffic between their nations, encompassing both civilian and military operations. Mali has confirmed the imminent return of its ambassador to Algeria, withdrawn in April 2025, while Algeria will likewise reinstate its diplomatic envoy in Bamako. These actions formally end more than a year of suspended relations between the two neighboring states.

Drone incident sparked the crisis

The diplomatic rupture began in April 2025 following the downing of a Malian military drone near their shared border. Algeria maintained the aircraft had violated its airspace, a claim Bamako vehemently disputed, asserting the drone operated within Malian territory. The incident triggered reciprocal ambassador recalls, airspace closures, and a cascade of mutual accusations between Algeria and members of the Alliance of Sahel States.

Shared challenges amid lingering disagreements

Beyond the drone incident, relations have been strained since Mali’s military leadership took power in 2020 and 2021. The transitional government has repeatedly accused Algeria of interference, citing its pivotal role in the 2015 peace accord between Bamako and northern armed factions. Tensions further escalated after Mali openly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a stance diametrically opposed to Algeria’s position. Despite these disputes, both countries share a 1,000-kilometer border and face pressing security threats from jihadist groups active across the Sahel.