Sahel alliance withdraws ambassadors from Algeria after drone incident
- A military alliance between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrew their ambassadors from Algeria.
- The decision was in response to the downing of a Malian drone, which the alliance condemned as a violation of international law.
- This incident highlights the growing tensions in the region and the shift in relations between Algeria and its southern neighbors.
In a significant diplomatic rift, the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, withdrew their ambassadors from Algeria following the downing of a Malian drone. This action was announced late Sunday, marking a notable escalation in tensions between these nations and Algeria. The alliance expressed their condemnation of Algeria's action, labeling it an 'irresponsible act' that purportedly violated international law. The incident occurred against a backdrop of rising hostilities, especially as Algeria perceives the military junta in Mali as a growing threat to regional stability. Mali's Foreign Ministry promptly countered Algeria's claims that the drone had violated its airspace. In a statement shared via social media, the ministry asserted that the drone was operating within permitted bounds, and accused the Algerian government of supporting international terrorism. This alarming allegation underscores the deterioration of relations that have shifted remarkably following Mali's recent military coup. Following the drone incident, Mali's government took decisive diplomatic actions, including summoning the Algerian ambassador and filing a complaint with international bodies. These moves aim to garner international backing while reinforcing Mali's stance against Algeria. The background to this diplomatic fallout is rooted in historically complex relations shaped by conflict, mediation, and recent rebellions in Mali. For over a decade, Algeria played a role as a mediator in the tensions between Mali's government and various Tuareg rebel groups. However, since the military coups in 2020 and 2021, resulting in the establishment of military leadership in Mali, the dynamics have shifted significantly. Algeria has criticized the new government's military approach to addressing regional disturbances and has shown concern regarding Mali's increasing reliance on Russian mercenaries and armed drone operations close to the border area of Tin Zaouatine. This incident serves not just as a diplomatic spat but as a reminder of broader regional instability influenced by external dynamics, including alliances with nations outside of Africa. The Sahel region, marked by severe security challenges, is now witnessing a reconfiguration of alliances. Both Mali and its allies in the Sahel are looking to assert autonomy from Algeria's influence while exploring new partnerships, which further complicates the historical relations in the region and raises questions about the future of cooperation among these neighboring states.