Key points:

• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger recall their ambassadors from Algeria following the downing of a Malian drone.
• The Sahel Alliance condemns the drone incident as an "irresponsible act" violating international law.
• Amid rising tensions, Mali accuses Algeria of sponsoring terrorism, while Algeria denies these claims.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), encompassing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has formally recalled its ambassadors from Algeria, escalating tensions between the military governments of these nations. This response follows the downing of a Malian drone, which the AES decried as a violation of international law and a premeditated hostile action by Algeria. The drone was reportedly shot down near the border town of Tin Zaouatine, with both nations alleging different narratives regarding its location at the time of the incident.

Mali insists that the aircraft was operating within its territory, approximately 10 kilometers from the border, while Algeria claims it had violated its airspace by at least two kilometers. The Malian government characterized the downing as a significant act of aggression, stating it hindered efforts to neutralize terrorist threats in the region. As tensions mount, Mali has described Algeria as a sponsor of terrorism, a charge that Algeria vehemently contests as "lacking in seriousness” BBC.

The AES, formed last year by these three nations following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), expressed its outrage through a public statement, declaring the drone incident a significant threat to the collective security of the region. In the wake of the aerial engagement, the alliance convened to discuss potential reactions, including exploring options for international oversight of the incident Al Jazeera.

Diplomatic relations between Algeria and its neighbors have been deteriorating since military coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021. Historically, Algeria played a mediation role in Mali's conflicts with Tuareg rebels, but shifting alliances have led to a fracturing of once-fraternal ties. Following its accusations, Mali's Prime Minister has urged a reassessment of Algeria's role in regional security, tying the incident to broader discussions of terrorism and political instability in the Sahel Africanews.

As the situation unfolds, both sides remain entrenched in their positions amidst growing accusations and diplomatic maneuvering, reflecting a fragile security landscape in a region beset by chaos and the persistent threat of jihadist movements.