The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is calling for restraint and dialogue between Mali and Algeria, following a sharp deterioration in relations marked by airspace closures, diplomatic withdrawals, and accusations of terrorism sponsorship.
In a statement released from its headquarters in Abuja, ECOWAS urged both nations to “defuse tension, promote dialogue, and use regional and continental mechanisms to resolve differences.” The regional bloc emphasized the need to avoid escalation and work towards restoring diplomatic calm.
Tensions flared after Algerian defense forces shot down a Malian army drone near the border town of Tinzaouatène on the night of March 31 to April 1, 2025. Algeria claimed the drone violated its airspace—citing two previous incursions in 2024—and responded by closing its airspace to Malian aircraft.
Hours later, Mali’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced the immediate closure of its own airspace to all Algerian flights, both civilian and military. Bamako cited the “persistence of the Algerian regime in sponsoring international terrorism” and described its move as reciprocal.
The verbal exchange escalated, with Algiers branding Mali’s transitional leadership a “putschist clique” and accusing it of ineffective counterterrorism tactics and reliance on mercenaries. Algeria also condemned the support of Burkina Faso and Niger for Mali, prompting it to recall its ambassadors from both countries and delay the appointment of a new envoy to Burkina Faso.
In response, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — recalled their ambassadors from Algiers in a unified diplomatic move.
The ongoing spat has already disrupted commercial air travel and jeopardized regional cooperation at a time when the Sahel faces ongoing jihadist threats.
© WAVN