After more than a year of strained relations, Algeria and Mali have officially restored full diplomatic ties. This significant development sees both nations reinstating their ambassadors and reopening their respective airspaces, signaling a crucial step towards regional stability in West Africa.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed that Algeria’s ambassador would return to Mali. This declaration came shortly after Algeria announced the complete reopening of its airspace for both civilian and military flights originating from and destined for its southern neighbor.
In a corresponding move, the Malian military government’s spokesperson issued a statement affirming that Bamako had taken reciprocal measures to normalize relations.
The diplomatic rift between the two African states began last April. The initial cause of the dispute was Algeria’s assertion that it had shot down a Malian surveillance drone, claiming it violated Algerian airspace. Bamako, however, presented a conflicting account, maintaining that the drone was downed within its own territorial boundaries.
This period of tension between Algeria and Mali had adverse effects on security across the wider Sahel region. Mali is a key member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), alongside Burkina Faso and Niger. In a demonstration of solidarity with their ally, both Ouagadougou and Niamey had also recalled their ambassadors from Algeria last April.
