Sahel alliance recalls ambassadors from Algeria after the downing of a Malian drone

Sahel Nations Recall Ambassadors from Algeria After Drone Incident Escalates Tensions

DAKAR, Senegal – A coalition of West African states, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has withdrawn its ambassadors from Algeria, escalating diplomatic tensions following the downing of a Malian drone earlier this week. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) announced the recall late Sunday.

Condemnation from Alliance of Sahel States

The AES, utilizing social media platforms, directly accused Algeria of responsibility for the drone’s destruction. The group characterized the incident as an “irresponsible act,” asserting it constituted a violation of recognized international legal principles.

In a strongly worded statement, the Alliance conveyed that the action was “in opposition to the long-standing and amicable relationships between the populations of the AES Confederation and the Algerian people.”

Mali Denies Airspace Violation, Alleges Terrorism Support

The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a social media statement on Sunday refuting the Algerian government’s claims that the unmanned aerial vehicle had breached Algerian airspace by more than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Instead, Mali contended that “this action serves as further evidence of the Algerian regime’s backing of international terrorism.”

Further Diplomatic Retaliation by Mali

Mali’s official statement also detailed the summoning of the Algerian ambassador and the nation’s departure from a 15-year-old regional military organization that includes Niger, a fellow member of the AES. Furthermore, Mali indicated that it has lodged a formal grievance regarding the episode with unspecified “international bodies.”

Rising Regional Discord

This recent development underscores the increasing friction between Algeria and its southern neighbors, notably Mali, highlighting a period of heightened regional instability.

Expert Analysis on Potential Fallout

Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel region specialist at the Policy Center for the New South in Morocco, suggested that the current exchange of hostile rhetoric is unlikely to progress beyond verbal sparring. Lyammouri expressed skepticism regarding the Malian government’s capacity to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the drone crash, stating that the location of the event “occurred within territory outside of its control, and remnants of the drone have been recovered by factions opposed to the governing authorities.”

Historical Context and Shifting Dynamics

Algeria previously played a significant role as a primary mediator during over a decade of conflict involving the Malian government and Tuareg insurgents. However, relations between the two nations have deteriorated following military coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, which resulted in military figures assuming control of key Malian state institutions.

Algeria’s Concerns Regarding Mali’s Policies

Algeria has openly criticized the trajectory of Mali’s current administration and its intensified initiatives to suppress unrest in historically unstable regions of northern Mali. Concerned about potential conflict spillover across its borders, Algerian officials have voiced disapproval of Mali’s deployment of Russian private military contractors and weaponized drones near Tin Zaouatine, a northern border town in proximity to where the drone wreckage was discovered.

Evolving Military and Political Landscape

Algeria possesses one of the most substantial military forces in Africa and has long considered itself a dominant regional power. However, military leaders in neighboring Mali and Niger have increasingly distanced themselves, asserting greater independence and pursuing new partnerships, including with Russia, indicating a shifting geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region.