The International Court of Justice has declined to proceed with Mali’s lawsuit against Algeria over the downing of a military drone, stating that the case can only move forward with Algeria’s prior consent to the Court’s jurisdiction.
Bamako had filed the case accusing Algeria of “aggression” after a Malian reconnaissance drone was shot down near the shared border last April, arguing that the incident constituted a breach of international law and an attempt to obstruct its operations against armed groups.
Algiers, however, maintained that the aircraft was destroyed after “illegally violating” its airspace near Tinzaouaten, stressing that it was equipped with combat gear.
The development adds further strain to relations between the two countries, at a time when the Sahel region faces escalating security challenges.
