Algeria and Mali’s reunion gives Russia a diplomatic boost amid rivalry with the US and France
Summary: Algeria and Mali have restored diplomatic relations and reopened their airspace after a 15-month confrontation, bringing two of Russia’s important African security partners back into cooperation as Moscow expands its influence across the Sahel
Algeria and Mali have restored diplomatic relations and reopened their airspace after a 15-month confrontation, bringing two of Russia’s important African security partners back into cooperation as Moscow expands its influence across the Sahel.
Algeria reopened its airspace to civilian and military aircraft travelling to and from Mali on July 10, 2026, while Bamako introduced reciprocal measures and both governments agreed to return their ambassadors, ending a 15-month diplomatic confrontation between the neighbouring countries.
The restrictions followed Algeria’s destruction of a Turkish-made Malian reconnaissance drone near their shared border on March 31, 2025.
Original source: africa.businessinsider.com
