فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Bamako/Algiers – Relations between Mali and Algeria have reached an unprecedented level of diplomatic tension, following serious accusations by Bamako that Algeria is supporting terrorist groups and interfering in its internal affairs. These developments, which intensified on 25 May 2025, have brought longstanding historical disputes and fragile security conditions back to the forefront, posing serious threats to the stability of the entire Sahel region.
In a striking move, Malian Foreign Minister Abdallah Dioub made incendiary remarks during an interview with the German radio station Deutsche Welle, directly accusing Algeria of supporting terrorist groups and interfering in Mali’s internal affairs. “Stop supporting terrorist groups and interfering in our internal affairs,” Dioub said. “We are destined to coexist, and our neighborly relations must be based on mutual respect.”
This statement, shared on the @larevueafrique account on the X platform, comes amid escalating tensions between the two neighbors, particularly after an incident in April 2025, when a drone was allegedly shot down. Algeria claimed that the drone had violated its airspace, while Mali denied this, asserting that the wreckage fell within its territory. https://www.youtube.com/embed/example_video_id
Algeria swiftly denied the accusations, describing them as “unserious and not worthy of a response,” and arguing that Mali was attempting to divert attention from its “failure to address security challenges.”
According to reports by BBC News, Algeria closed its airspace to Malian aircraft, justifying the decision by citing repeated airspace violations. Mali responded in kind by closing its airspace to Algerian aircraft, further escalating tensions and leading to the recall of ambassadors from both sides.
Historical Roots of the Crisis
The roots of the crisis lie in longstanding disputes between the two countries, which share a long border in the heart of the Sahara. Despite historical and religious ties, the deteriorating security situation in northern Mali, particularly in the Azawad region, has been a constant concern for Algeria, which accuses Mali of failing to control its territory, allowing extremist groups to expand towards the Algerian border.
Conversely, Mali accuses its northern neighbor of supporting the Tuareg rebellion and colluding with terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI), as well as harboring individuals wanted by Malian authorities. Previously, Malian diplomats at the United Nations have openly accused their Algerian counterparts of “harboring terrorists.”
Regional Implications
The crisis between Mali and Algeria extends beyond bilateral relations, impacting regional stability. Countries within the Sahel Alliance (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso) recalled their ambassadors from Algeria, alleging that Algeria had blocked an operation to “neutralize a terrorist group,” according to statements from officials within the alliance.
Moreover, these tensions threaten to undermine previous peace efforts, notably the Algiers Peace Agreement (2015), from which Mali officially withdrew in 2024. This raises doubts about any future prospects for Algerian mediation, at a time when regional coordination is more crucial than ever to combat terrorism, organized crime, and irregular migration.
Possible Signs of Reconciliation
Despite the intensity of rhetoric and mutual measures, some indicators suggest a potential desire to resume dialogue. According to the African Press Agency (APAnews), Mali appointed a new ambassador to Algeria in February 2025, which was seen as an attempt to revive diplomatic channels.
However, this depends on the ability of both sides to move beyond their heated rhetoric and return to the negotiating table, especially given the shared risks facing the Sahel region. Achieving peace in the Sahel requires the cooperation of neighboring countries and a move away from mutual accusations towards a realistic partnership based on shared security interests.
Timeline of Key Events
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Abdallah Dioub’s Statement | May 2025 | Accused Algeria of supporting terrorism and interfering in internal affairs. |
| Drone Incident | 31 March – 1 April 2025 | Algeria claimed to have shot down a Malian drone near “Tinzawatine.” |
| Closure of Airspace | April 2025 | Mutual decisions to ban flights between the two countries. |
| Recall of Ambassadors | April 2025 | Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso recalled their ambassadors from Algeria. |
Translated content from Fès News
