Mali and Algeria have moved to repair relations after more than a year of diplomatic tensions, with both countries restoring ambassadorial ties and reopening their airspace in a major step toward normalising relations between the neighbours.
Mali announced the measures in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, noting that its ambassador would return to Algiers and that flights between the two countries would resume, including civilian and military aircraft travelling to and from Algeria.
“Within the framework of the revitalisation of cooperation and friendship relations between the Republic of Mali and the Algerian Republic, the Government of Mali has decided on the return to Algiers of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mali accredited to the Democratic and Popular Algerian Republic,” Bamako said.
“The government has decided on the reopening of the national airspace to all civilian and military aircraft providing flights to or from the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria.”
Algeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry separately confirmed the return of its envoy to Mali, Kamel Retieb, who was recalled last year after a diplomatic dispute erupted over Algeria's alleged downing of a Malian military drone.
“The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has ordered the return to Bamako of Kamal Retieb, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of Mali, effective July 10, 2026,” Algiers said.
“The decision reflects unwavering commitment to restoring Algerian-Malian relations to their natural historical trajectory, based on mutual respect, fraternal ties, and cooperation”
The diplomatic fallout began in April 2025 when Algeria shot down a Malian military drone, saying the aircraft had entered its territory. Mali disputed Algeria's account, leading both sides to recall their ambassadors and impose airspace restrictions.
The dispute further strained relations between the two countries, which had previously cooperated on regional security issues. Algeria has historically played a mediation role in Mali, including helping broker a 2015 peace agreement between Bamako and Tuareg-led separatist groups.
Mali's authorities, under the leadership of military leader General Assimi Goita, later ended that agreement, accusing Algeria of interference and hostility, adding to tensions between the two countries.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google