Algiers, 26 October. Algeria's parliament unanimously approved deploying units of the People's National Army to neighbouring Niger, the first time Algerian troops will be sent abroad since 1973, when Algeria supported Egypt in the Arab-Israeli war, both houses of parliament said.
The units will be stationed in Madama in northern Niger near the Libyan border, according to parliament, at a former French base used during Operation Barkhane. "We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure. It is simply an adaptation of our doctrine to evolving circumstances," said Senator Belkacem Boulghiti; he said the aim is to protect Algeria's oil facilities in Niger.
The decision was made possible by a 2020 constitutional amendment: sending troops outside the country requires the approval of two-thirds of parliament. Niger, like other Sahel states, is fighting groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, including near the border with Algeria. The two countries are building the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, intended to carry gas to Europe.
What it means: Algeria, which for decades avoided a military presence abroad, is changing its doctrine to protect its oil and gas interests to the south.
Who benefits: Algeria protects its investments and the pipeline project; Niger gets military support from its neighbour against militants. Europe gains the prospect of a new gas supply route.
Background: Relations between the two countries had been strained: the states of the Alliance of Sahel States, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, recalled their ambassadors from Algeria after its army shot down a Malian drone near the border. Algeria had also condemned the 2023 coup that brought General Tchiani to power in Niger.
