Relations between Algeria and Mali are improving more than a year after a severe diplomatic breakdown. Both countries have reinstated their ambassadors and reopened their airspace, according to announcements made on Saturday.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared that his country's ambassador would return to Mali, following Algiers' decision to fully reopen airspace for civilian and military flights to and from its southern neighbor. Mali's military government spokesperson Issa Ousmane Coulibaly confirmed reciprocal measures.
The rift began in April 2025 when Algeria claimed it shot down a Malian surveillance drone for violating its airspace. Mali disputed this, asserting the drone was downed within its own borders.
This dispute jeopardized security in the Sahel region. Mali is part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Burkina Faso and Niger; both also withdrew their ambassadors last year in solidarity with Mali. The AES has faced increased attacks by armed groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda, which analysts partly attribute to the vacuum left after the 2011 overthrow of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
Algeria previously mediated peace talks between Mali's government and Tuareg separatist rebels but stepped back after last year's fallout. Algeria's Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf recently reaffirmed support for Mali's territorial integrity and opposition to terrorism.