Mali Confronts Algeria at UN, Accuses Neighbour of Aggression and Terrorism Support

Tensions between Mali and Algeria flared on Monday at the United Nations General Assembly as Mali delivered a sharp response to what it called “personal, gross and condescending attacks” from Algeria’s foreign minister. The Malian delegation, breaking its usual practice of avoiding rebuttals, accused its northern neighbour of interference, aggression, and support for terrorism in the Sahel.

Speaking before the Assembly, Mali’s representative cited “unprecedented tensions” between the two countries, which he attributed primarily to what Bamako sees as Algeria’s persistent interference in Malian affairs.

The Malian people have decided to take their destiny into their own hands and have assumed ownership of their peace process,” the statement declared, accusing Algiers of undermining that sovereignty.

At the centre of the dispute is the destruction of a Malian reconnaissance drone between March 31 and April 1, 2025. According to Mali, Algerian defence forces shot down the aircraft, later claiming the drone had violated Algerian airspace by two kilometres. Bamako flatly rejected the claim, calling it an absurdity, and presented its own investigation, which, it said, proved the drone had never left Malian territory.

“The wreckage was found 9.5 kilometres inside Mali, making it scientifically impossible for it to have drifted from Algerian airspace,” the delegation argued. It concluded that the drone was brought down in “a hostile and premeditated action” by Algeria.

The Malian government stated that it sought evidence from Algiers to support its allegations but received no satisfactory response. On April 6, Mali published what it described as scientific proof that the drone was destroyed unlawfully. It has since filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging aggression against Algeria. Algeria, however, has refused to recognise the court’s jurisdiction in the matter.

Mali further charged that the drone strike was aimed at protecting terror groups in the Sahel, including extremist leaders targeted by the reconnaissance mission.

“This action is further proof that the Algerian regime sponsors international terrorism in Mali and the Sahel,” the statement said.

The delegation framed Algeria’s refusal to accept ICJ arbitration as an implicit admission of guilt. “If Algeria truly respected international justice, it would have presented its evidence before the Court instead of rejecting its authority,” the Malian mission said.

The sharp rebuke also drew on history, contrasting Algeria’s alleged hostility with Mali’s longstanding solidarity during Algeria’s struggle for independence. Bamako accused Algiers of betraying that legacy and urged it to end “unacceptable interference in Mali’s internal affairs” as well as its “support for terrorist groups destabilising the Sahel.”

Closing its intervention, Mali pledged to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens. “The Government of Mali will spare no effort to defend national territory and ensure the protection of persons and property,” the representative said.

The exchange marks one of the most confrontational public episodes in the recent Mali-Algeria relations, laying bare a regional rift with significant implications for Sahel security and diplomacy.

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