Algeria and Mali are trading accusations following the downing of a Malian military drone by Algerian forces in early April, an incident that has further strained relations between the two neighbors.
Mali announced on September 4 that it had taken the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Algeria of committing “flagrant aggression” and alleging collusion between Algiers and armed groups. Bamako says it is seeking redress through international law.
Algeria, however, firmly denies that any case has been filed. Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf told reporters that the ICJ has not received a Malian request, adding that no official notification was ever sent to Algiers.
According to Algerian authorities, the drone violated Algerian airspace by more than a kilometer on the night of March 31 to April 1, following what they described as an “offensive trajectory.” They also reported similar incursions in August and December 2024, which they say are documented in radar records.
Since the April incident, both countries have closed their airspace to each other, underscoring the growing mistrust. The ICJ has not confirmed either side’s version, leaving uncertainty over whether the case will move forward.
