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Algeria and Mali

Algeria and Mali have moved to repair relations after more than a year of diplomatic tension, reopening airspace and restoring ambassadors in a development that could affect security and politics across the Sahel.

Mali announced in July that it would return its ambassador to Algiers and reopen its airspace to Algerian civilian and military aircraft. Algeria also moved to restore access for Malian flights.

The decision ends a diplomatic freeze that began after relations deteriorated over security and military issues along the countries’ shared border.

The dispute became particularly serious after Algeria said it had shot down a Malian armed drone near the border in 2025.

Mali rejected Algeria’s account and relations continued to deteriorate. The two countries have now decided that keeping the dispute alive is no longer in their interests.

The reopening of airspace may appear to be a technical issue. It is not. Airspace restrictions affect trade, travel, diplomatic contacts and regional movement.

Restoring flights therefore provides a practical sign that both sides are ready to return to normal relations. The return of ambassadors is even more important.

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Diplomatic relations cannot function properly when countries do not have senior representatives communicating directly with one another. But the new agreement does not mean that all the disagreements have disappeared.

The biggest problem remains security. Northern Mali has suffered years of instability involving armed groups, separatist movements and military operations.

Algeria has historically played a role in attempts to find political solutions to the conflict. The two countries have not always agreed on how the crisis should be handled.

Mali’s military government has taken a different approach to regional security and has strengthened its relationship with Russia. Algeria, meanwhile, has traditionally tried to maintain its influence through diplomacy and regional mediation.

Those differences remain. The two countries must therefore decide whether their new diplomatic relationship can move beyond restoring ambassadors and reopening airspace.

Trade is one possible area of cooperation. The long border between Algeria and Mali creates opportunities for cross-border commerce.

Improved relations could make it easier for businesses and travellers to move between the two countries. Security cooperation could be even more important. Instability in northern Mali can create problems for Algeria.

Armed groups, weapons trafficking and illegal migration can move across borders. Neither country can completely protect itself from regional insecurity by acting alone.

That gives both governments a reason to maintain communication.The reconciliation also comes at a time when the wider Sahel is experiencing major geopolitical changes.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have moved away from some traditional Western partnerships and have strengthened their own regional cooperation.

Algeria is trying to maintain its position as an important North African power with influence in the Sahel. A better relationship with Mali could help Algiers regain some of the diplomatic space it lost during the dispute.

For Mali, restoring relations with Algeria could also be useful. The country needs strong regional relationships as it deals with insecurity, economic pressure and diplomatic changes.

That does not mean Mali will abandon its existing partnerships. Instead, it suggests that Bamako wants more options.

The same may be true for Algeria. The two countries may disagree on some major issues, but they have discovered that permanent confrontation carries costs.

The new diplomatic opening therefore represents an opportunity. But it is still only an opening. The real test will be whether the two governments can cooperate when difficult questions return.

Can they agree on border security? Can they rebuild trust? Can Algeria regain a useful role in Mali’s peace and security discussions?

Can Mali reassure Algeria that its military and diplomatic decisions will not threaten its neighbour? Those questions remain unanswered.

For now, however, the reopening of airspace and return of ambassadors are positive signs. After more than a year of tension, Algeria and Mali are talking again. The next step is to make sure they keep talking when the next crisis comes.

The Traffic NG
Algeria and Mali
Amarachi Ihesiulo
The Traffic NG

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