Algeria to send troops to Niger in first foreign deployment since 1973
Algeria's parliament has approved deploying troops to Niger to protect energy facilities. It would be the country's first overseas military mission since 1973.
Algeria, a North African country, is set to send troops to neighbouring Niger, marking its first foreign military deployment since 1973, when its forces were sent to Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war. The decision concerns the Sahel region, where Niger is fighting armed groups, and signals a major shift in Algeria's long-standing policy against sending forces abroad.
Parliamentary vote
Algeria's upper house of parliament held an emergency session on Sunday to vote on the proposal. According to the AFP news agency, 148 of 174 senators voted in favour. The lower house later backed the move as well. The timing and the number of soldiers have not yet been announced. It will be the first use of a 2020 constitutional provision permitting overseas military deployments.
After the vote, senator Belkacem Boulghiti told reporters: "We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure." The troops are expected to guard energy facilities in northern Niger, near the border with Libya.
Economic interests
The decision follows a visit to Algiers by Niger's defence minister, as Niger seeks support against armed groups, some linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State. Algeria has economic interests in Niger, including a planned gas pipeline that would carry Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria. Algeria's state-owned energy company Sonatrach has also signed an agreement with Niger's petroleum ministry to explore for oil in the Kafra region. Reuters reported that two exploration wells are estimated to hold 168 million and 100 million barrels respectively.
Rebuilding ties
Relations between the two countries have not always been smooth. Algeria condemned the 2023 coup that removed Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, and brought Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani to power. Tensions rose in 2025 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border, and Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers in solidarity with Mali. Ties have since improved: Tchiani visited Algeria in February 2026, and in late August President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to Niger to help suppress a coup attempt, and also donated four military helicopters.
