In Dakar, Senegal, a notable diplomatic rift unfolded as the military pact comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced the withdrawal of their ambassadors from Algeria. This decision came after a Malian drone was reportedly brought down last week, which the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) deemed a reckless violation of international protocols. Through social media platforms, AES criticized Algeria’s actions, labeling them as irresponsible and damaging to the historically amicable relations between the AES nations and Algeria.
Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, countered Algerian claims regarding airspace violations, asserting via the Malian Foreign Ministry’s online statement that Algeria’s actions reflected deeper hostilities, implying the country’s sponsorship of international terrorism. The situation escalated with Mali summoning the Algerian ambassador, leaving a longstanding regional military coalition inclusive of Niger within the AES alliance, and planning to present the incident before international authorities.
These developments occur amidst growing tensions between Algeria and its neighboring southern countries, notably Mali. Since assuming power, the military juntas of the AES have distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional coalition active for nearly half a century, opting instead to form their own security network in September last year. Analysts deem this a strategic move to cement their military-led regimes in light of coup-induced sanctions and complicated regional relations.
Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel authority associated with the Policy Center for the New South in Morocco, opines that while exchanges may remain heated, they are unlikely to translate into full-scale military confrontations. He highlights logistical challenges faced by the Malian government in conducting a detailed investigation since the drone crash-site is beyond their control and the remains have fallen into the hands of anti-government factions.
The situation underscores a broader diplomatic strain, as Algeria had historically played a mediator role in the longstanding conflict between Mali’s leadership and Tuareg insurgents. However, this relationship has deteriorated since military coups in 2020 and 2021 installed military figures in key government positions. Algeria has been particularly critical of Mali’s new governmental strategies to suppress uprisings in unstable northern regions. Fearful of conflict extending into its lands, Algeria has been vocal about Mali’s deployment of Russian mercenaries and drones near the border town of Tin Zaouatine, where the drone was downed.
Despite the sensitive situation, Mali failed to retrieve the drone, and evidence on social media, shared by northern rebels, displays fragments of a Turkish Akinci drone produced by Baykar, discovered in Tin Zaouatine. Mali’s recent acquisition of at least two such drones for use against separatists and groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State is well-documented.
Algeria, known for possessing one of Africa’s most formidable military forces, has traditionally viewed itself as a regional powerhouse. However, neighboring military regimes in Mali and Niger have been keen to break away, advancing autonomous governance and forging new international partnerships, including ties with Russia. This growing divide marks a notable shift in regional geopolitics.