On October 25th local time, the Algerian parliament passed a resolution approving the deployment of troops to its southern neighbor Niger to protect oil facilities. This will be the first time since 1973 that Algeria has deployed troops in a foreign country.
Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti said that troops will be sent to protect Algeria's economic and strategic interests, especially those related to the oil facilities in Niger.
Bourguibet said, “We sent troops to Niger not for warfare, but to secure the economic infrastructure. We simply adjust our military strategy according to the changing situation, in order to address the new challenges brought by the Sahel region.”
The last time Algeria sent troops abroad was during the Fourth Middle East War in 1973. At that time, Algeria deployed troops to Egypt to support Arab countries. Algerian constitution stipulates that the deployment of troops abroad must be approved by the parliament.
The Algerian government has not yet announced the specific scale, timing, and location for the deployment of troops in Niger. According to a source from Niger's security authorities, cited by Reuters, Algeria has not sent any troops. However, starting from October 19th, Bakari Ibro Amadou, the head of Niger's presidential office, has been inspecting the Kavar region in the Bilma province of the Agadez region in the north.
Analysis suggests that this move reflects a ‘ thawing’ in relations between Algeria and Niger. In 2025, after Algeria shot down a Malian military drone at the border between the two countries, Niger recalled its ambassador to Algeria, leading to a deterioration in bilateral relations.
However, since the beginning of this year, both countries have begun to seek improvements in their relations. Niger's President Chiini visited Algiers in February and met with Algeria's President Boutefia. At the end of August, after an attempted military coup in Niger, Algeria publicly supported the Nigerien government and, at the request of Niger, dispatched four Su-30 fighter jets for support.
On October 20 local time, Niger's Defense Minister Salif Mody led a delegation of defense experts to Algeria to discuss issues related to security cooperation.
Bloomberg analysis indicates that Algeria's decision to send more troops further demonstrates its support for the Niger government after the failed coup attempt.
Algeria and Niger have maintained cooperation in the field of energy. In 2022, the Algerian National Oil Company announced that it had signed an agreement with Niger's Ministry of Petroleum regarding the division of oil production in the Kafra region. The company also cooperates with Niger and Nigeria to build a trans-Saharan natural gas pipeline project, aiming to create new routes for African natural gas exports to international markets.
