Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Withdraw Ambassadors from Algeria Over Drone Incident

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have withdrawn their ambassadors from Algeria over accusations that Algerian forces shot down a Malian drone. Algeria confirmed the downing of the drone but did not elaborate. As a response to airspace violations, Algeria also closed its airspace to and from Mali, reflecting rising tensions between the neighboring countries.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have taken the decisive step to withdraw their ambassadors from Algeria, citing allegations that Algerian forces shot down a Malian drone. This joint declaration was made following Mali’s claim that an armed reconnaissance drone was downed over its territory in late March.

On April 1, Algeria confirmed the downing of a drone, identifying it as an armed reconnaissance vehicle, although it provided no further specifics. In a subsequent statement, Mali’s foreign ministry asserted that the drone was downed due to a “hostile premeditated action by the Algerian regime,” indicating that wreckage was located 9.5 kilometers south of Algeria’s border, and it was purportedly brought down by missile fire.

Mali described the incident as an “unprecedented act of aggression,” condemning the action of the Algerian authorities and labeling it as hostile and unfriendly. Algeria has not publicly addressed the withdrawal of the ambassadors, yet it announced the closure of its airspace to and from Mali, attributing this decision to repeated airspace violations by Mali’s state.

The Algerian defense ministry stated, “The Algerian government has decided to close air navigation coming from or heading to the Malian state, starting today.” This development marks an escalation in tensions between the neighboring nations in a region fraught with geopolitical challenges.

The withdrawal of ambassadors by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from Algeria highlights tensions following an alleged drone downing by Algerian forces. This situation underscores the fragility of diplomatic relations in the area and signifies a potential escalation in hostilities. Algeria’s closure of airspace to Mali further complicates the scenario, indicating a firm response to perceived airspace violations.

Original Source: dailytrust.com