Following more than a year of diplomatic estrangement, relations between Algeria and Mali are now thawing, with both nations having reinstated their respective ambassadors and mutually reopened their airspace.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed the return of Algeria’s ambassador to Mali. This announcement came shortly after Algiers fully reopened its airspace for both civilian and military aircraft traveling to and from its southern neighbor.

In a formal statement, the Malian military government’s spokesperson affirmed that Bamako had implemented corresponding reciprocal measures, marking a significant step towards normalizing ties.

The bilateral relationship between these two African nations strained last April following an incident where Algeria claimed to have shot down a Malian surveillance drone, citing airspace violation. However, Bamako disputed this account, asserting that the drone was downed within its own territorial boundaries.

The diplomatic crisis between Algeria and Mali had previously undermined regional security across the Sahel. Mali is a key member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), alongside Burkina Faso and Niger. In a show of solidarity with their ally, both Ouagadougou and Niamey also recalled their ambassadors from Algeria last April. This latest development is crucial for regional stability and offers positive Niamey news, indicating potential improvements in Niger current affairs and broader Niger politics today.