Why the Sahel Alliance recalled ambassadors from Algeria after drone downing
There have been tensions in North and West Africa this week as the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger - members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) - recalled their ambassadors from Algeria, citing the downing of a Malian drone.
In a statement issued late Sunday, the AES condemned what it called an "irresponsible act" by Algeria after a Malian drone was shot down near the border town of Tin Zaouatine during the night of March 31 to April 1.
The drone, the group claimed, had been conducting an anti-terrorism mission, and its destruction “prevented the neutralisation of a terrorist group that was planning attacks against the AES.”
The AES - formed last year following the withdrawal of its members from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS - described the incident as a violation of international law and a blow to long-standing fraternal ties between the Sahelian nations and Algeria.
Algeria denies wrongdoing
In contrast, Algeria defended its actions, stating the drone had violated Algerian airspace by more than two kilometers (1.2 miles) and was an “armed surveillance drone.” The Algerian military said it acted in self-defense in accordance with national sovereignty and airspace protection.
But Mali’s Prime Minister, Gen. Abdoulaye Maiga, fired back in a strongly worded statement published by the Malian Foreign Ministry on social media. He rejected Algeria’s claims, asserting that the drone did not cross into Algerian territory. He went further, accusing Algeria of “sponsoring international terrorism” - a significant escalation in rhetoric.
AES tightens stance
In addition to recalling ambassadors, Mali has summoned the Algerian ambassador in Bamako, withdrawn from a 15-year-old regional military group that includes Niger, and plans to file an official complaint with international bodies.
Algeria retaliates
In a retaliatory move, Algeria announced a ban on all flights to and from Mali, citing “recurrent violations” of its airspace. The move further underscores the unraveling of regional cooperation, which has already been weakened by recent political upheavals and shifting alliances.
Tensions, not war
Despite the heated exchange, experts say the situation is unlikely to escalate into armed conflict.
Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South in Morocco, cautioned that Mali's ability to investigate the incident is limited. “The crash occurred in an area it doesn’t control,” he said, noting that the drone wreckage is believed to be in the hands of anti-government groups.
“This is likely to remain a diplomatic standoff, not a military one,” Lyammouri added. “Neither Algeria nor the AES members are in a position—or have an interest—in escalating this into a broader conflict.”
