A military officer in camouflage uniform and green beret seated at a desk, with a yellow flag in the background, representing African security forces.
Mali and Algeria have restored diplomatic relations by reopening their airspace and reinstating ambassadors. The move ends a dispute that began in April 2025 when Algiers downed a Malian military drone near their shared border. Relations were deteriorating before then, beginning in 2024 when Mali withdrew from the 2015 Algeria-brokered peace accord with Azawad separatists. Both governments stand to gain from the rapprochement through renewed diplomatic engagement, improved security coordination, and the resumption of cross-border travel. Meanwhile, Azawad rebels and other armed actors may lose ground due to the realignment, particularly following Mali’s claim to have broken a rebel blockade near Anéfis with Russian-backed support. The agreement’s long-term significance will depend on whether both countries can rebuild trust and cooperate on counterterrorism and border security despite lingering political differences.
AP