Algeria has announced plans to send military forces to Niger, marking the nation’s first foreign deployment in more than 50 years. The last such operation occurred during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict when Algerian forces were sent to Egypt. The decision follows a visit to Algiers by Niger’s defence minister, who sought assistance in addressing security challenges posed by armed groups with connections to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
The deployment carries significant strategic importance for Algeria, which maintains substantial economic interests in Niger. A planned gas pipeline project would transport Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria, with troops expected to provide security for energy infrastructure located in northern Niger near the Libyan border. Additionally, Algeria’s state-owned energy company Sonatrach has entered an agreement with Niger’s petroleum ministry to conduct oil exploration in the Kafra region, with two wells estimated to contain substantial reserves.
Algeria’s parliament approved the deployment through an emergency session held on Sunday, with 148 of 174 senators voting in favour, followed by backing from the lower house. An Algerian senator stated that troops were being deployed for protective purposes rather than combat operations. The deployment represents the first application of a constitutional provision adopted in 2020 that permits overseas military operations, signifying a notable departure from Algeria’s traditional policy against foreign military interventions.
The move comes as the two nations work to strengthen diplomatic relations following tensions in 2025, when Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers after Algeria shot down a Malian drone. Relations have improved significantly in recent months, with Niger’s leader visiting Algeria earlier this year and Algeria subsequently providing military assistance during a coup attempt in Niger, including fighter jets and helicopters. The specific timeline and number of troops involved in the deployment have not yet been disclosed.
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