Algeria and Mali restore diplomatic ties, reopen shared airspace

Algeria and Mali announced on 10 July 2025 the reciprocal return of their ambassadors and the reopening of each other's airspace to civil and military flights. The move ends a 15‑month diplomatic rupture that began after a disputed incident in April 2025, when Algerian forces shot down a Malian drone that Algeria said had violated its airspace, while Bamako claimed it was over Malian territory. The dispute had led to the recall of ambassadors, closure of the shared air corridor, and accusations of Algerian interference in Malian internal affairs, compounded by Mali’s recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

The easing of tensions comes as both countries confront a deteriorating security situation in the Sahel, with jihadist groups active across the region. Reopening the air corridor and restoring diplomatic channels are intended to facilitate coordination against these threats and prevent further isolation of Algeria from its southern neighbours. The ambassadors’ reinstatement and airspace reopening signal a tentative rapprochement, though full reconciliation on broader political disagreements remains pending.