Algeria and Mali have blocked each other’s airspace after a drone incident sparked a diplomatic rift. On April 1, 2025, Algeria announced it had shot down an armed surveillance drone near its border with Mali. The drone reportedly violated Algerian airspace near the town of Tin-Zaouatine.
In response, Mali reacted strongly and received support from its allies, Burkina Faso and Niger. These three countries, forming the Alliance of Sahel States, condemned Algeria’s actions. They accused Algeria of overstepping its role in regional affairs.
This incident adds more strain to the already tense relationship between Algeria and Mali. Both countries have disagreed on political instability, counterterrorism strategies, and foreign alliances in the Sahel region. The airspace closure is expected to affect transport routes and regional military coordination.
Tensions like this could further weaken cooperation in an area already facing insurgency, conflict, and humanitarian issues. So far, neither side has shown interest in de-escalation or initiating diplomatic talks.
