Algiers, Algeria – Algeria has taken the unprecedented step of closing its airspace to all flights to and from Mali amid escalating tensions over a drone incident near their common border. The dispute began when Mali accused Algeria of being a sponsor and exporter of terrorism, leading to a strong rebuke from Algeria denying the allegations.
Mali’s armed forces are currently engaged in combat with ethnic Tuareg separatists in the north, particularly in the town of Tinzaoutin that straddles the Mali-Algeria border. The recent shooting down of a drone by Algeria further strained diplomatic relations, prompting Mali and its allies Niger and Burkina Faso to recall their ambassadors from Algiers.
Last year, the three junta-led countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of enhancing regional security cooperation. However, the recent drone incident has resulted in Mali withdrawing from the group and planning to file a complaint with international bodies against Algeria.
Algeria, on the other hand, has criticized Mali’s response as an attempt to deflect attention from its own shortcomings. This marks the third time in recent months that Mali has violated Algeria’s airspace, leading to the decision to close it to all air traffic from or to Mali, effective immediately.
The ongoing tensions between Mali and Algeria have roots in accusations made by Mali against Algeria for allegedly providing shelter to Tuareg armed groups. Although Algeria has previously acted as a mediator in the conflict between Mali and the separatists, relations have deteriorated since the military coup in Mali in 2020.
To counter the threat of militant infiltration from jihadist groups operating in the Sahel region, Algeria has deployed troops along its borders with Mali. The recent drone incident and the subsequent airspace closure signal a deepening of the rift between the two neighboring countries with grave implications for regional security.