Mali Reveals Algeria’s Involvement in Undermining Regional Security

ALDAR/

Tensions have escalated between Mali and Algeria following a recent incident that angered the Bamako government, where Algeria shot down a Malian surveillance drone, which the Malian authorities described as a “deliberate attack” and “irrefutable evidence of Algeria’s support for international terrorism.”

In the early hours of April 1, 2025, the drone crashed near the town of Tinzawaten, located 9.5 kilometers south of the Algerian border, while conducting an intelligence mission against dangerous terrorist groups. According to technical data published by the Malian armed forces, the drone had not left Malian airspace during its mission, which, according to Bamako, proves that Algeria launched missiles against a drone that was within Malian airspace without justification.

Algerian authorities claimed that the drone had breached their airspace by 2 kilometers, but the Malian government rejected this claim, stating: “How could the drone have crashed within Malian territory if it had entered Algeria?” Bamako demanded that Algeria provide evidence to support its allegations, but no such evidence has been presented.

Malian authorities confirmed that the incident revealed Algeria’s true support for terrorist groups in the region, especially with confirmations that the drone was monitoring suspicious movements of a terrorist convoy crossing the Algerian border. According to Malian military sources, the airstrike that followed the incident destroyed a “highly dangerous terrorist cell” that was receiving logistical support from Algeria.

In response to this escalation, Mali has taken a series of decisive actions, including severing military cooperation with Algeria, recalling ambassadors, and closing diplomatic channels with the Algerian regime. The Malian government also decided to sue Algeria internationally for supporting terrorism and violating international treaties.

This escalation between the two countries was not unexpected but is the result of years of tensions, beginning with Algeria’s support for Azawad groups during the war of independence and continuing with the facilitation of terrorist groups’ movements across the borders. Despite Algeria’s repeated claims of cooperation with its neighbors in combating terrorism, these events reveal the true role it plays in undermining regional security.

While direct military confrontation between the two countries is unlikely, relations between Algeria and the countries of the Sahel region may experience further tensions, hindering regional counter-terrorism efforts.