Algeria and Mali have halted all air travel between their countries, each blaming the other for rising tensions. The move, announced by both governments on Monday, follows a disagreement over a drone incident near their shared border.
The conflict began on April 1, when Algeria reported that its army had shot down an armed surveillance drone. According to Algeria, the drone entered its airspace near the Saharan town of Tinzaouaten. Malian authorities disagreed, saying the wreckage was found nearly 10 kilometers inside Mali, not in Algerian territory.
On Monday, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry shared radar data, which it said showed the drone had crossed 1.6 kilometers into its airspace. Citing repeated violations, Algeria announced a ban on all flights to and from Mali.
Mali quickly responded. Its Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced a ban on Algerian aircraft. Mali also accused Algeria of backing international terrorism, although it did not offer any evidence to support the claim.
The diplomatic fallout has extended beyond the two countries. On Sunday, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger recalled their ambassadors from Algeria for consultations. The three Sahel nations have strengthened ties in recent months and often coordinate on foreign policy.
Algeria replied on Monday by pulling back its ambassadors from Mali and Niger. It also postponed the arrival of its new envoy to Burkina Faso.
In a joint statement, the three Sahel countries condemned Algeria’s actions. They called them irresponsible and said the Algerian government was worsening the crisis.
The airspace closures and diplomatic withdrawals mark a serious break in regional cooperation. With tensions rising, observers fear the dispute could harm broader efforts to address security and political challenges across North and West Africa.