Three African Nations recall Envoys over Algiers Drone attack

Three African countries, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced on Sunday that they are recalling their ambassadors from Algeria, accusing Algerian forces of deliberately shooting down a Malian drone.

The three military-led nations issued a joint statement confirming the diplomatic move, following Mali’s accusation that Algeria had targeted and destroyed one of its drones over Malian territory in late March.

Algerian authorities, on April 1, acknowledged shooting down an armed reconnaissance drone that had allegedly entered Algerian airspace, but provided no additional details.

Three African Nations Recall Envoys Over Algiers Drone Strike
In a separate statement, Mali’s foreign ministry said its investigation had determined “with absolute certainty” that Algeria’s action was a “hostile premeditated attack by the Algerian regime.”

According to the statement, the drone debris was discovered approximately 9.5 kilometres (six miles) south of the Algerian border. Mali claimed the drone had been brought down using “a ground-to-air or air-to-air missile.”

Describing the incident as “an unprecedented act of aggression,” Mali strongly condemned what it called “this hostile, unfriendly and condescending action by the Algerian authorities.”

As of Sunday, Algeria had not issued any response regarding the withdrawal of the ambassadors.