The West African bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) on Wednesday expressed its “deep concern” over escalating tensions between Algeria and its southern neighbour, Mali.
The dispute intensified on Monday when both countries closed their airspace to each other’s aircraft, marking a significant development in a row triggered by accusations that Algeria had shot down a Malian drone.
In a statement, ECOWAS urged both nations to “de-escalate the tension, foster dialogue, and use regional and continental mechanisms to settle differences.”
Algeria announced on April 1 that it had shot down an armed reconnaissance drone over its airspace, though it provided few details about the incident. In response, Mali accused Algeria of downing one of its drones over Malian territory, a claim that Algeria swiftly denied.
Following the escalating tension, on Sunday, Mali, along with its allies Niger and Burkina Faso — all three nations under military rule — withdrew their ambassadors from Algeria. Algeria reciprocated by recalling its own ambassadors.
The airspace closures between the two countries followed on Monday, further exacerbating the situation.
Mali’s ruling junta also announced its withdrawal from the Sahel region’s joint military staff committee, known as CEMOC (Joint Military Staff Committee of the Sahel). Established in 2010 by Algeria, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania, CEMOC was created to coordinate efforts against Al-Qaeda’s North African affiliate AQIM.
In response to growing regional tensions, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new confederation initially designed as a defence pact in 2023.
On Tuesday, a protest of around one hundred youths gathered outside the Algerian embassy in Bamako, Mali’s capital, expressing their discontent with Algeria.
Relations between the two nations have steadily deteriorated over recent years. In December 2023, both countries recalled their ambassadors for several weeks amid continued disagreements. Northern Mali, which shares a border with Algeria, has been a hotspot for separatist rebellions and ongoing insurgent attacks.
