Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s Relations with Algeria Deteriorate Amid Coups and Strengthened Russian Ties
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have recalled their ambassadors from Algeria following the downing of a Malian drone. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a confederation of the three African nations, accused Algeria of an "irresponsible act" that violated international law, announcing the decision on social media on Monday. This move escalates tensions between the trio of allied military governments and Algeria.
The AES described the incident as "an aggression against the entire confederation" and "contrary to the historical and fraternal relations between the peoples of the AES confederation and the Algerian people." The envoys were recalled for consultations regarding Algeria’s alleged contribution to "destabilization in the region."
According to an AES statement, the drone, which was flying near the Algerian border town of Tin Zaouatine on the night of March 31 to April 1, was destroyed while attempting to neutralize a terrorist group planning attacks against the AES. Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maiga, leader of Mali’s military authorities, claimed that the incident proves "the Algerian regime sponsors international terrorism."
Algeria, however, stated earlier in the week that the drone was targeted because it violated its airspace by more than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and identified it as an "armed surveillance drone." Mali countered that a preliminary investigation confirmed the drone was flying over Malian territory, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Algerian border.
Shifting Dynamics
The AES was established last year following several coups in the region and the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a nearly 50-year-old regional bloc. These three Sahel nations, located on the southern edge of the Sahara, have long suffered from armed groups affiliated with ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, which carry out deadly attacks on civilians and increasingly control territory.
Algeria had previously played a key mediating role in Mali’s decades-long conflict with Tuareg rebels after the country gained independence from France in 1960. However, recent months have seen growing tensions. The dynamics shifted significantly after two military coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, which pushed Mali and its AES allies to reduce ties with France and strengthen relations with Russia.
Algerian officials have criticized Mali’s use of Russian mercenaries and armed drones near Tin Zaouatine, the border town where the drone incident occurred. This latest dispute further underscores the strained relations between Algeria and the AES amid the region’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
For the latest updates and more news, visit ZTC News and ZNews Today.