Mali Accuses Algeria of Hostile Act, Appeals to UN Security Council Over Drone Destruction

New York, April 10, 2025 – The Republic of Mali has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council following the destruction of one of its military drones by the Algerian army, an incident Bamako has labeled a “deliberate hostile act.” The development, detailed in a letter dated April 7, 2025, from Mali’s Permanent Mission to the UN, has intensified diplomatic tensions in the Sahel region, raising concerns over regional stability.

Incident Sparks Diplomatic Crisis

The incident occurred on the night of March 31 to April 1, 2025, in the Tinzaouatene area of Mali’s Kidal region, near the Algerian border. According to Mali’s Transitional Government, the drone, operated by its Armed and Security Forces, was destroyed within Malian territory. In a letter bearing reference N° 25-195-MPM/YHS-mk, Mali condemned the act as a violation of its sovereignty. Ambassador Issa Konfourou, Mali’s Permanent Representative to the UN, urged the Security Council to circulate the letter and its annexes as official documents, calling for international attention to the matter.

Algeria, however, claims the drone violated its airspace by over 2 kilometers, justifying its response. On April 1, 2025, Algeria’s Defense Ministry reported downing an “armed surveillance drone,” marking it as the third such incident in recent months. Mali disputes this, asserting that wreckage was recovered 9.5 kilometers inside its borders, fueling accusations of an “unjustified act of aggression.”

Escalating Tensions in the Sahel

The fallout has been swift and severe. On April 6, 2025, Mali recalled its ambassador from Algeria, a move echoed by Burkina Faso and Niger, allies in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The AES issued a joint statement condemning Algeria’s actions as “irresponsible” and alleging the drone’s destruction disrupted counter-terrorism efforts. Algeria retaliated on April 8, closing its airspace to all Malian aircraft and dismissing Mali’s claims as politically motivated.

The diplomatic rift highlights simmering regional tensions. Mali accuses Algeria of supporting destabilizing forces, while Algeria has expressed “deep dismay” at the AES’s rhetoric, pointing to Mali’s internal challenges under its transitional regime. The closure of airspace and ambassador recalls signal a significant escalation, with experts warning of further strain on Sahel security.

UN Security Council in Focus

Mali’s appeal to the UN Security Council seeks to internationalize the dispute, though as of April 10, 2025, the Council’s response remains unclear. The letter, while not yet publicly available in full, underscores Bamako’s intent to frame the incident as a threat to national security and regional peace. Analysts suggest the move could prompt discussions on sovereignty, airspace violations, and the broader implications for the volatile Sahel region, where Mali has been battling insurgencies with drone support.

Regional Context and Implications

The clash comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s exit from ECOWAS to form the AES has strained ties with neighbors like Algeria, historically a mediator in Mali’s conflicts. The drone incident, set against Mali’s aggressive counter-terrorism campaigns and Algeria’s border security concerns, underscores the fragility of regional cooperation.

While a military escalation seems unlikely, the diplomatic war of words and retaliatory measures could deepen instability. The UN Security Council’s handling of Mali’s complaint may set a precedent for addressing such disputes in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Date of Incident: March 31–April 1, 2025, in Tinzaouatene, Kidal region.
• Mali’s Claim: Drone destroyed in its territory, a “deliberate hostile act” by Algeria.
• Algeria’s Defense: Drone violated airspace, third incident in months.
• Diplomatic Fallout: Ambassador recalls by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger; Algeria closes airspace.
• UN Appeal: Mali’s April 7 letter seeks global scrutiny, response pending.

As tensions mount, the international community watches closely, with the Sahel’s stability hanging in the balance. Stay updated as this story develops.