In brief
Algeria announced a deployment of troops to Niger, its first foreign military mission since the 1973 Arab‑Israeli war. The move comes after diplomatic tensions eased following the 2025 recall of Niger’s ambassador to Algiers. Parliamentary approval of 148‑for‑174 senators underlined the significance of the operation, which will safeguard gas pipelines and oil exploration sites near the Libyan border. Algeria stressed the mission is defensive, aimed at protecting economic assets rather than engaging in combat. The deployment follows years of cooperation, including the arrival of Niger’s new president in Algiers and the donation of aircraft to stabilize the region.
Algeria has announced the deployment of troops to Niger, the first time it has sent forces abroad since the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict.
The decision follows a visit by Niger’s defence minister to Algiers, where he sought help against groups linked to al‑Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Algerian economic interests in Niger – notably a planned gas pipeline carrying Nigerian gas to Algiers and oil exploration in the Kafra region – underpin the mission. Troops will be positioned near the Libyan border to secure infrastructure.
The upper house of parliament approved the deployment in a session that saw 148 of 174 senators vote for the move. The lower house subsequently backed the decision. This is the first use of a 2020 constitutional provision allowing overseas military deployments and represents a significant shift in Algeria’s traditionally home‑focused defence policy.
Algerian senators clarified that the mission is not intended for warfare but for protecting economic infrastructure. Sonatrach, Algeria’s state‑owned energy company, also signed agreements with Niger’s petroleum ministry to explore promising oil wells.
The partnership follows years of fluctuating relations. Algeria condemned the 2023 coup in Niger and tensions rose when it shot down a Malian drone in 2025. Recent visits by Niger’s president Tchiani and the donation of aircraft by Algeria signal a renewed cooperation aimed at stabilising the Sahel.
