Algeria to send troops to Niger in first foreign deployment since 1973

Algeria is set to send troops to Niger, marking its first foreign deployment since 1973. This move follows a visit by Niger's defence minister to Algiers, as the nation seeks assistance against armed groups, some of which are potentially affiliated with al-Qaeda or Islamic State. Economic interests, including a planned gas pipeline carrying Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria, have prompted the deployment.

The troops will focus on safeguarding energy facilities in northern Niger, near the Libyan border. The deployment comes after the two countries repaired their diplomatic relations, following a 2025 rift during which Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers. Algeria's upper house of parliament voted 148 to 26 in favor of the deployment, and the lower house later endorsed the decision.

The timing and exact number of soldiers to be deployed remain undisclosed. This deployment will mark the first use of a 2020 constitutional provision that permits overseas military missions, signaling a notable shift in Algeria's historically non-interventionist foreign policy. Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti emphasized that the mission is not intended for warfare but rather to protect economic infrastructure.

Algerian state-owned energy company Sonatrach has also agreed with Niger's petroleum ministry to explore for oil in the Kafra region, with exploration wells potentially containing 168 million and 100 million barrels, respectively. Despite occasional tensions, such as Algeria's condemnation of a 2023 coup that ousted Niger's elected president and a 2025 incident where Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border, relations between Algeria and Niger have shown signs of improvement.

Niger's current leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, visited Algeria in February 2026, and President Tebboune recently sent fighter jets to Niger to aid in suppressing a coup attempt and donated four military helicopters.