Hundreds of Malian youths rallied outside the Algerian Embassy in Bamako on Tuesday, calling for an official apology from Algiers following the downing of a Malian military drone near the shared border. The protest, organized by civil society groups, youth associations, and pro-junta supporters, accused Algeria of violating Mali’s sovereignty and undermining regional diplomacy. Demonstrators waved national flags and carried placards denouncing what they described as an “act of aggression” against a sovereign state.
The protest was triggered by Algeria’s recent admission that its air defense forces shot down a Malian reconnaissance drone that allegedly crossed into Algerian airspace. While Algerian authorities claimed the drone posed a security threat, Malian officials view the incident as a disproportionate and hostile response, escalating tensions between the two neighbors.
This diplomatic rift comes amid broader strains between Algeria and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a security and political bloc formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso after their respective military takeovers. The AES countries have accused Algeria of meddling in their internal affairs and favoring international pressure for a return to civilian rule.
Observers warn that continued deterioration in Algeria-AES relations could disrupt regional cooperation on border security, counterterrorism, and trade across the Sahel.
