Mali and Algeria restore diplomatic ties and reopen airspace

On 10 July 2026 the governments of Mali and Algeria announced the return of their respective ambassadors and the reopening of each other's national airspace to all civil and military flights. The decision ends a fifteen‑month diplomatic rupture that began in April 2025 when Algerian forces shot down a Malian surveillance drone near the shared border, prompting mutual recall of ambassadors and the closure of air corridors.

Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune described the measures as a “return to the historic and natural course of relations” and emphasized that they aim to revive cooperation, security coordination and trade routes across the Sahel. The reopening is expected to ease fuel and goods shortages for northern Mali, restore regional connectivity and reduce the strategic space exploited by armed groups.

The steps were taken without a public mediation process, reflecting a pragmatic shift driven by economic pressure on Bamako and security concerns for Algiers. Analysts note that while the diplomatic thaw does not resolve deeper political disputes, it provides a framework for renewed dialogue and joint efforts against extremist activity in the region.