By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have decided to recall their ambassadors from Algeria after accusing the country of shooting down a Malian surveillance drone near their shared border.
This action follows an incident that took place between March 31 and April 1, with the wreckage of the drone discovered 9.5 kilometers south of the border.
Mali’s government has stated with “absolute certainty” that the drone was destroyed in a “premeditated hostile action” by the Algerian regime.
In a televised statement on Sunday, Mali’s security minister emphasized the gravity of the situation, while Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger issued a joint statement condemning Algeria’s actions as “irresponsible.”
The three West African countries, which formed a bloc known as AES after their departure from ECOWAS, have expressed their strong disapproval of the incident.
According to Algeria’s Defense Ministry, the drone, described as an “armed surveillance drone,” was shot down after violating Algeria’s airspace near Tinzaouaten, a town near the border.
However, the Algerian military has provided limited details about the event.
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