The Malian government has taken a major step in its ongoing dispute with Algeria by filing a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Algeria of downing a Malian military drone in April. This legal action is seen as a sharp escalation in bilateral tensions, with Mali alleging that the incident, which occurred near the border town of Tinzaouaten in the Kidal region, was a deliberate act of aggression and a violation of its territorial integrity.
The drone, identified as a reconnaissance aircraft with the registration TZ-98D, was reportedly destroyed in the night between March 31 and April 1. Mali’s government claims the act was premeditated, aimed at hindering its operations against armed groups in the region.
In a statement, the Malian government described the incident as “a hostile act and a violation of the principle of non-use of force,” citing it as part of a pattern of aggressive behaviour by Algeria. Despite repeated requests for evidence of airspace violation, Mali asserts that Algeria has not provided satisfactory responses.
This move comes amidst a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the two countries, aggravated by Algeria’s decision to ban flights to and from Mali following alleged repeated violations of its airspace by Malian drones. The ban, announced in response to the April incident, has further strained diplomatic ties, despite historical connections and shared borders that span over 1,300 kilometres.
Mali’s transition government sees this legal action as a necessary step to protect its sovereignty and address external threats. The ICJ case is expected to scrutinise not only the drone incident but also broader allegations of Algeria’s support for terrorist groups, a claim that Algeria denies.
Internationally, the dispute has drawn attention to the fragile security situation in the Sahel region, where Mali, along with allies Burkina Faso and Niger, has been combating insurgency. The legal battle at the ICJ could have serious implications for regional stability and the wider geopolitical dynamics in North Africa and the Sahel, as both nations navigate their roles in a complex security landscape.
