Home News Mali Accuses Algeria of Supporting Terrorism After Drone Incident
News

Mali Accuses Algeria of Supporting Terrorism After Drone Incident

Share
Share

Tensions have flared between Mali and Algeria following the downing of a Malian surveillance drone near their shared border, with Malian authorities accusing Algeria of sponsoring terrorism in the region.

On Sunday, Mali’s Security Minister, General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, described the incident as a “premeditated hostile action,” rejecting Algeria’s claim that the unmanned drone had illegally entered Algerian airspace.

Algeria said the drone, described as an “armed reconnaissance aircraft,” was shot down after it reportedly penetrated 2km into its airspace near the town of Tinzaoutin, a border area contested by Tuareg separatists. Mali, however, maintains that the drone crashed 9.5km inside its territory and denies any airspace violation.

The incident has sparked a diplomatic standoff. Mali, along with its allies Niger and Burkina Faso members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has recalled its ambassador from Algiers. In a joint statement, the AES condemned Algeria’s actions, asserting that the drone was on a mission to neutralize a terrorist group planning attacks on their bloc.

Further escalating the row, Mali summoned the Algerian ambassador in Bamako and announced plans to lodge a formal complaint with international bodies. It also withdrew from a regional security framework that includes Algeria.

Mali has long accused Algeria of harboring Tuareg armed groups that operate across the Sahel. Once a mediator in Mali’s internal conflict, Algeria’s relations with Bamako have deteriorated significantly since the Malian military seized power in 2020.

In recent months, Algeria has increased its military presence along its southern border in an effort to curb the infiltration of militants and weapons linked to jihadist networks in Mali and other parts of the Sahel.

As diplomatic ties fray and accusations mount, the drone incident signals a troubling shift in regional dynamics, raising the stakes in a region already plagued by insecurity, and threatening to undo years of fragile cooperation. The road ahead calls for cooler heads and urgent diplomacy, or the region risks descending further into conflict and chaos.

Share

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't Miss

100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025: Debbie Larry-Izamoje, FNIMN – Transforming Africa’s Sports Media Landscape

Debbie Larry-Izamoje, FNIMN, has carved a remarkable niche as a trailblazer in Africa’s sports media industry. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of...

100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025: Aisha Ahmad, CFA, CAIA Global Finance and Regulatory Expert

Aisha Ndanusa Ahmad, a trailblazing Nigerian finance professional, has solidified her place as one of the most reputable women of African descent in...

Related Articles

At Least 33 Dead as Devastating Floods Hit DR Congo’s Capital Kinshasa

Kinshasa, DR Congo – Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in the capital...

Africa Women Summit Hosts Empowerment-Focused Event at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja

Subtitle: “Africa Rising: Harnessing the Potential of Women and the Girl Child...

Zambian President Warns Ministers Against Sleeping in Cabinet Meetings

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to ministers caught...

Why British Boarding Schools Are Expanding into Nigeria

For decades, wealthy Nigerian families have sent their children to elite British...