Mali Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga visits Algiers to restore bilateral ties

Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga arrived in Algiers on August 24, 2026, for a working visit following an invitation from his Algerian counterpart, Sifi Ghrieb. The visit marks a significant diplomatic thaw between Mali and Algeria after months of tension, which included the closure of airspace and the recall of ambassadors following a dispute over a Malian drone.

Maïga is carrying a formal message from Malian Transition President Assimi Goïta to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The high-level discussions aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and economic sectors, while emphasizing principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference.

As part of the ongoing rapprochement, both nations have already re-established diplomatic representation by returning their respective ambassadors and have reopened their airspaces to commercial flights. Additionally, President Goïta has expressed his agreement to conduct an official visit to Algeria in the near future, though a specific date has not yet been set.