Algeria and Mali thaw relations after year-long rift over downed drone

Mali and Algeria announced they have normalized relations more than a year after the downing of a Malian military drone strained ties between the two neighbours. The countries reopened their airspace to each other's aircraft and reinstated their respective ambassadors.

The rift began last year after the drone was shot down near the Algerian border, prompting a downgrade in diplomatic representation between the two nations. The dispute also weighed on security cooperation across the Sahel region.

A joint statement from the two governments said the move was aimed at strengthening regional stability. Analysts said the normalization could pave the way for renewed security and border cooperation across the Sahel.