Mali has accused Algeria of sponsoring and exporting terrorism following the recent downing of a Malian drone near their shared border. This incident occurred last week when Algeria shot down the unmanned surveillance aircraft.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Mali’s foreign ministry rejected Algeria’s claim that the drone had breached its airspace. The statement characterized the drone’s downing as a “hostile premeditated action.” Algeria has yet to respond to these allegations.
Mali’s military is currently engaged in combat against ethnic Tuareg separatists in the northern region, particularly in the town of Tinzaoutin, which lies along the Mali-Algeria border.
The destruction of the drone represents a notable increase in diplomatic tensions, prompting Mali, along with its allies Niger and Burkina Faso, to recall their ambassadors from Algiers.
Last year, these three junta-led nations established a regional coalition known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
In their joint condemnation of Algeria, they stated that the drone’s downing “prevented the neutralization of a terrorist group planning attacks against the AES.”
Additionally, Mali has summoned the Algerian ambassador in Bamako regarding the incident and announced its intention to lodge a complaint with “international bodies.” Mali has also withdrawn from a regional security alliance that includes Algeria.
On Wednesday, Algeria confirmed that it had shot down an “armed reconnaissance drone” near Tinzaoutin, asserting that it had “penetrated our airspace by 2 kilometers.”
The junta in Bamako has refuted claims that the drone breached Algeria’s airspace, stating that the debris was located 9.5 kilometers within its territory.
Mali frequently accuses Algeria of harboring Tuareg militant factions.
Historically, Algeria played a significant role as a mediator in the prolonged conflict between Mali and the separatists, which lasted over a decade. However, relations have deteriorated since the military coup in Bamako in 2020.
In response to security concerns, Algeria has recently stationed troops along its borders to thwart the infiltration of militants and arms from jihadist groups operating in Mali and other nations within the Sahel region of West Africa.
