Algeria faces accusations of supporting terrorism from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso

Tensions between Algeria and the Sahel States Confederation (AES) have intensified following the destruction of a Malian military drone by Algerian forces on the night of March 31 to April 1, 2025, in the Tin-Zaouatène region, northern Mali.

In an official statement released on April 6, the AES's College of Heads of State, led by General Assimi Goïta, condemned the act as a "serious provocation" and an "aggression" against the sovereignty of member states. The drone, registered as TZ-98D, belonged to the Malian Armed Forces and was reportedly on a security mission aimed at combating terrorist groups operating in the region.

The confederation emphasized that since December 22, 2024, the confederal space has been officially recognized as a "single theater of military operations." Consequently, any external intervention is viewed as interference. "The destruction of the Malian drone constitutes an aggression targeting all member states," the statement noted, warning that such actions could exacerbate terrorism and destabilize the region.

More alarmingly, the AES indicated that preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation suggest that the Algerian intervention may have thwarted efforts to neutralize a terrorist group preparing attacks against the confederation.

In response, AES leaders have decided to recall their ambassadors accredited to Algeria for consultations, marking a significant diplomatic break with Algiers. They are demanding that the Algerian government adopt a "constructive posture" and commit to peace in the region.

General Assimi Goïta, in his capacity as president of the confederation, sought to reassure the public: "The defense and security forces remain fully mobilized to ensure safety and protect the integrity of the confederal space."

This latest crisis occurs amid already heightened tensions between Algeria and the AES, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, following these countries' withdrawal from ECOWAS and their increasing military ties with Russia. Algeria, sharing a lengthy border with Mali, now finds itself at the center of an unprecedented diplomatic dispute.