Algeria closes airspace to Mali

Algeria has closed its airspace to Mali as relations worsen between the two neighbors with Mali accusing Algeria of backing terrorist groups.

Mali together with its Sahel allies, Niger and Burkina Faso, all recalled their ambassadors after Bamako accused Algiers of protecting separatists by downing a Malian drone.

Algeria has doubled down on its provocations against Mali banning all flights heading to Mali from crossing its air space.

Algeria had taken a similar measure against Morocco whom it has been accusing of undermining its security without offering evidence.

Algeria has offered a rear base to the Polisario separatists to wage attacks on Morocco’s territorial integrity. It has also been accused repetitively by Mali of backing Touareg separatists.

In a strongly-worded statement, Algeria denied responsibility in the tense relations with its Sahel neighbors, opting for escalation by recalling its envoys to Niamey and Bamako and delaying the appointment of a new ambassador to Burkina Faso.

In an ironic statement, Algeria described the authorities in the three states as “putchists”. The Algerian military regime forgot its putschist origins.