Algeria to ship troops to Niger in first international deployment since 1973

Algeria is to ship troops to Niger in its first international deployment since sending forces to Egypt in the course of the Arab-Israeli struggle in 1973.

The deployment follows a go to to Algiers by Niger’s defence minister, because the nation seeks help in opposition to armed teams, a few of that are linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

Algeria has financial pursuits in Niger, together with a deliberate fuel pipeline that may carry Nigerian fuel via Niger to Algeria. The troops are anticipated to guard power services in northern Niger, close to the Libyan border.

The deployment comes as the 2 neighbours rebuild ties after a diplomatic rift in 2025, when Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers.

Algeria’s higher home of parliament held an emergency session on Sunday to vote on the proposed deployment. According to AFP information company, 148 of the 174 senators voted in favour. It was later backed by the decrease home of parliament.

However, the timing and variety of troopers to be deployed haven’t been introduced.

The transfer would mark the primary use of a 2020 constitutional provision permitting abroad army deployments and a big shift in Algeria’s long-standing coverage in opposition to sending forces overseas.

“We should not sending our troopers to wage struggle in Niger, however for a mission to safe financial development projects,” Algerian senator Belkacem Boulghiti informed reporters after the vote.

Algeria’s state-owned power firm, Sonatrach, has additionally signed an settlement with Niger’s petroleum ministry to probe for oil within the Kafra area. Two exploration wells are estimated to comprise 168 million and 100 million barrels, respectively, Reuters reported.

Relations between Algeria and Niger haven’t all the time been easy lately.

Algeria condemned the 2023 coup that ousted Niger’s elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, and introduced Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani to energy.

Tensions rose once more in 2025 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone close to its border. Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers in solidarity with Mali, a detailed ally which can be underneath army rule.

Relations have since improved. Tchiani visited Algeria in February 2026, and in late August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune despatched fighter jets to Niger to assist suppress a coup try and in addition donated 4 army helicopters.