BAMAKO, MALI — Mali has escalated diplomatic tensions with Algeria, accusing its neighbor of “sponsoring and exporting terrorism” following the downing of a Malian drone near their shared border last week. This accusation contradicts Algeria’s explanation that the drone violated its airspace.
A strongly worded statement released by Mali’s foreign ministry on Sunday refuted Algeria’s claims, characterizing the drone’s destruction as a “hostile premeditated action.” Algeria has yet to respond to these allegations.
The incident occurs amidst ongoing conflict between Mali’s armed forces and ethnic Tuareg separatists in the northern region, where the town of Tinzaoutin, situated along the Mali-Algeria border, serves as a stronghold for the separatists.
The downing of the drone has significantly heightened diplomatic strain, particularly following the decision by Mali, along with its allies Niger and Burkina Faso, to recall their ambassadors from Algiers.
These three junta-led nations, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), issued a joint statement condemning Algeria’s actions, stating that the shooting down of the drone “prevented the neutralisation of a terrorist group that was planning terrorist acts against the AES.”
Mali has also summoned the Algerian ambassador in Bamako to address the incident and has declared its intention to file a complaint with “international bodies.” Furthermore, Mali has withdrawn from a regional security grouping that included Algeria.
On Wednesday, Algeria acknowledged shooting down an “armed reconnaissance drone” near Tinzaoutin, claiming it had “penetrated our airspace over a distance of 2km.” However, the junta in Bamako disputes this, asserting that the drone’s wreckage was discovered 9.5km within Malian territory.
Mali has consistently accused Algeria of providing sanctuary to Tuareg armed groups. Algeria previously played a pivotal role as a mediator during the decade-long conflict between Mali and the separatists. However, relations have deteriorated since the 2020 military coup in Bamako.
In response to the growing threat of militant infiltration and weapon smuggling from jihadist groups operating in Mali and the broader Sahel region, Algeria has recently deployed troops along its borders.
