As a diplomatic crisis deepens with reciprocal airspace closures and mutual accusations of terrorism support, Mali has announced a judicial investigation into the destruction of one of its drones in the Tinzaouatene border region.
The Public Prosecutor of the Specialized Judicial Unit for Combating Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime announced on April 8, 2025, the opening of an inquiry into alleged “criminal conspiracy, acts of terrorism, financing of terrorism, illegal possession of weapons of war and ammunition, and complicity.” The investigation concerns a Malian drone, registered TZ-98D, which was shot down near Tinzawaten in the Kidal region between March 31st and April 1st.
Magistrate Amadou Bocar Toure stated that the investigation aims to “identify and arrest the alleged perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices” involved, urging the public to provide any relevant information.
Diplomatic tensions between Mali and Algeria have significantly escalated. Following Algeria’s closure of its airspace to Malian aircraft, Mali retaliated on April 7th by closing its airspace to all civilian and military flights to and from Algeria. Algiers accused Bamako of repeated airspace violations in the preceding months.
The Malian government has accused Algeria of supporting armed terrorist groups, allegations vehemently denied by Algerian authorities, who have labeled Mali’s ruling junta a “coup clique.” The escalating rhetoric has led to the recall of ambassadors between Bamako and Algiers, as well as between Algiers and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) members Burkina Faso and Niger.
The airspace closures are already impacting commercial air travel, notably for Air Algerie, which had recently resumed flights to Bamako. The airline experienced significant growth on its African routes in 2023, with Mali being a top destination.
This latest crisis unfolds within a volatile regional context where security and diplomatic challenges are closely intertwined in the Sahel, a region still grappling with significant jihadist activity.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA