Algeria reopened its entire airspace to flights to and from Mali on Friday, marking a significant step towards easing relations between the two countries. The news was reported by Algerian state media, more than a year after a serious diplomatic crisis led to the reciprocal closure of their airspaces.
This decision ends the restrictions imposed in April 2025, when Algiers announced the closure of its airspace to Malian aircraft. At the time, Algerian authorities claimed that their army had shot down a Malian surveillance drone after it violated national airspace. Bamako disputed this version, maintaining that the drone had crashed on Malian territory.
In another sign of détente, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune also ordered the return of Algeria's ambassador to Bamako on Saturday morning. The diplomat had been recalled for consultations in April 2025 at the height of the diplomatic crisis between the two neighbors.
The reopening of airspace and the re-establishment of diplomatic representation demonstrate a desire to normalize relations between Algiers and Bamako after several months of heightened tensions. However, no details were provided regarding the discussions that led to this development, nor any agreements that may have been reached between the two governments.
These announcements come at a time when relations between the two countries remain closely monitored due to security challenges in the Sahel. The resumption of air links and the return of the ambassador could pave the way for a gradual warming of bilateral relations.
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