Diplomatic relations between Algeria and its southern neighbours have been severely strained following the downing of a Malian military drone, prompting Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to recall their ambassadors from Algiers. The incident, which took place on March 31, 2025, saw the Algerian Air Force shoot down a Turkish-made Baykar Akinci drone that allegedly crossed into Algerian airspace.
The military juntas in the three Sahel nations swiftly condemned the act, accusing Algeria of breaching international law and undermining the ties between the countries.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which comprises Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has sharply criticized Algeria for its actions, calling the downing of the drone an “irresponsible act” that violated their shared history of cooperation. The AES described the incident as an act of aggression, asserting that it posed a threat to the entire confederation. In response, the alliance has announced the recall of its ambassadors from Algeria and is seeking further diplomatic avenues to address the incident.
The drone downing has also sparked further political fallout, with Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, accusing the Algerian regime of supporting international terrorism, an allegation that adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught regional dynamics. The situation highlights the growing tensions in the Sahel region, where the three countries have distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and instead forged new security alliances. This shift, particularly the increasing ties with Russia, has exacerbated relations with Algeria, a former key mediator in regional conflicts.