How the UAE-Israel-Morocco threat pushed Algiers to send troops to Niger
How the UAE-Israel-Morocco threat pushed Algiers to send troops to Niger Submitted by Elis Gjevori on Wed, 11/04/2026 - 08:09 Rival gas projects with Morocco and growing Emirati influence in the Sahel drive Algeria’s move to break with its non-intervention doctrine Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at a meeting on 16 February 2026 in Algiers…
Algeria has sent troops to Niger to protect its economic interests and energy investments in the region. This move marks a significant departure from Algeria's long-standing policy of non-intervention. The deployment follows Algeria's decision to send fighter jets to Niger in August to prevent a coup against its ally, President Abdourahamane Tiani.
Algeria's concerns are primarily economic, as the country is investing heavily in the Nigeria-Niger-Algeria gas pipeline project, which would be threatened by increased instability in the Sahel region. The UAE is seen by Algeria as a major threat, having supported opposing sides in regional conflicts and actively working to divide the region.
Algeria has also severed diplomatic relations with the UAE over these activities. The situation in Niger is further complicated by the involvement of Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by the UAE. Algeria sees this development as a threat to its strategic interests, especially given the potential for further influence by the UAE and Israel in the region.
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