Algerian parliament approves deployment of troops to Niger
Algeria's parliament has voted to send military forces to Niger, marking the country's first overseas deployment since 1973.
The Algerian parliament has approved the deployment of troops to Niger, marking the first overseas deployment for the country since 1973. President Abdelmajid Tebboune submitted the request to send units from the People's National Army abroad, which was approved by both the National People's Assembly and the Council of the Nation.
This marks a significant shift in Algeria's foreign policy, as the country's military has not been deployed overseas since the October War in 1973. Algeria's decision comes amid a surge in attacks by armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in Niger, particularly in the border triangle with Mali and Burkina Faso, and along its southern border with Nigeria.
The two countries have improved relations this year, with Niger's President Abdourahmane Tiani visiting Algeria in February and Niger's Defense Minister Salifou Moudi traveling to Algeria in October for security cooperation talks. Algeria's economic interests in Niger have also deepened, with the state energy company Sonatrach working with Niger and Nigeria on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project.
Brief written by urgent.news from Ajel English's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
