ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

For several days now, the media and diplomatic landscape of the Sahel has been roiled by a series of flamboyant statements, the most resounding of which came from former Malian Prime Minister Dr. Choguel Kokalla Maïga. In a speech dated April 9, 2025, he launched a scathing attack against Algeria, accusing it of duplicity in its Sahel policy. But what is this tirade really worth, if not a carefully orchestrated distraction? More importantly, who is pulling the strings behind this African stage play? One truth stands out: those who rail against Algiers are, whether knowingly or not, serving the agendas of powers that have never relinquished their grip on the continent. A Moroccan Attempt to Rewrite African History For several years now, Morocco has been relentlessly active on the African diplomatic front, seeking to portray itself as a benevolent and selfless power. But beneath the polished rhetoric of South-South cooperation and continental integration lies a cold, calculated strateg...

 The recent diplomatic flare-up between Mali and Algeria is far more than a mere border dispute or an isolated military incident. At its core lies a deeper and more strategic struggle—one that revolves around the future of energy in the Sahel and West Africa. The competing visions for this future are embodied in two massive projects: the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), championed by Algeria, and the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline. A Crisis That Reveals Regional Fractures In early April 2025, Algeria issued a firm diplomatic note condemning Mali's "baseless allegations" after the Algerian military shot down a Malian drone that had allegedly violated Algerian airspace for the third time since August 2024. Algeria, citing radar evidence, maintained that its response was both measured and necessary. Bamako’s reaction, however, was not limited to protesting the drone incident. The Malian transitional government accused Algeria of colluding with terrorist groups—a ...

Early April 2025: Algerian Forces Shoot Down Malian Bayraktar Drone—A Strategic Shockwave Across the Sahel-Maghreb Region In early April 2025, an aerial incident involving a Turkish-made Bayraktar Akinci drone operated by the Malian army sent shockwaves through the Sahel and Maghreb regions. The drone reportedly breached Algerian airspace by two kilometers before being shot down by Algerian armed forces in under 26 seconds. This brief timeframe was enough to underscore a sharp strategic reality: Algeria's clear technological and operational superiority in aerial warfare and counter-drone systems. 1. Algeria: A Clear Message, A Proven Capability In an official statement issued on April 3, 2025, Algeria's Ministry of National Defence announced that its air defense units had detected, identified, and destroyed a foreign drone that violated national airspace near Bordj Badji Mokhtar. The aircraft, identified as a Turkish Akinci operated by Malian forces, was reportedly downed le...

In an official statement published on its Facebook page and website, Algeria’s Ministry of National Defense announced that it had shot down a Malian Akıncı drone over Tinzawatin, after it breached Algerian airspace by two kilometers. This marks the first time that the Algerian Air Force has downed a foreign drone, sending a clear and decisive message to nations that have been misusing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near Algeria’s borders. A Swift and Controlled Response The detection and interception of the drone were carried out by a unit under the Air Defense Forces Command (ADFC) , demonstrating Algeria’s high level of preparedness and rapid response capabilities in safeguarding its airspace. While the ministry did not disclose the exact method used to neutralize the drone, analysts suggest that Algeria likely employed its advanced air defense systems , which are capable of effectively countering such aerial threats. The Growing Presence of Drones in the Sahel and North Africa ...

Relations between Algeria and Mali have experienced unprecedented tensions since 2023. Once considered exemplary, especially through the Algiers Peace Agreement of 2015, the bilateral relationship took a dramatic turn following Algeria’s reception of Imam Mahmoud Dicko, a staunch opponent of Mali’s ruling junta. The Malian authorities viewed this as a provocative and unwarranted interference in their internal affairs, leading to retaliatory measures such as recalling their ambassador from Algiers and canceling the Algiers Agreement. Tensions escalated further with Russia’s growing military presence in Mali through the Wagner Group, which Algeria has viewed with suspicion, particularly near its borders. Amid this crisis, Morocco played a significant role in exacerbating tensions, using the opportunity to strengthen its ties with Bamako and positioning itself as an alternative strategic partner to Algeria. Additionally, Moroccan drug trafficking networks have continued to fuel terrorist ...

Algeria, often seen as a discreet yet influential player on the global stage, is now reaping the benefits of a well-calculated geopolitical strategy based on independence, regional influence, and diversified partnerships . While France faces increasing marginalization in Europe and Africa, and alliances in the Sahel begin to fracture, Algeria is solidifying its position as a key regional power . Recent developments— Mali’s diplomatic U-turn towards Algeria , France’s strategic missteps , and the exclusion of Europe from US-Russia discussions on Ukraine —all illustrate how Algiers’ commitment to pragmatism, sovereignty, and multilateralism is paying off in the long run. Mali Reconciles with Algeria: A Diplomatic Triumph One of the clearest signs of Algeria’s diplomatic success is Mali’s recent decision to restore high-level relations with Algeria by sending an ambassador to Algiers , signaling an attempt to de-escalate tensions that had emerged in recent months. 🔹 Morocco’s Attem...

Relations between Algeria and Mali are currently experiencing a period of heightened tensions, marked by mutual accusations and deep disagreements over the management of security crises in the Sahel. This situation reflects not only bilateral disputes but also the geopolitical and strategic challenges affecting the entire region. Context and Escalation of Tensions On January 1, 2025, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement accusing Algeria of supporting terrorist groups and interfering in its internal affairs. These allegations followed remarks by Algeria’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, who opposed the categorization of political movements, signatories of the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord, as terrorist groups. The Malian government, led by a military junta that came to power through the May 2021 coup, dismissed these statements as "unnecessary lessons" and accused Algeria of complicity with destabilizing actors in the Sahel. This war of words takes place in the con...