Algeria votes to send troops to Niger for security mission

Algeria's upper house of parliament approved a plan to deploy troops to Niger on Sunday. A total of 148 of 174 senators voted in favor of the measure. The lower house subsequently backed the proposal as well.

This marks the first time Algeria has sent forces abroad since 1973. In that year, Algerian soldiers were dispatched to Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war. The new deployment follows a visit to Algiers by Niger's defense minister, who sought assistance against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Officials stated that the soldiers will secure economic infrastructure rather than wage war. Senator Belkacem Boulghiti told reporters after the vote that the mission focuses on protecting assets. The troops are expected to guard energy facilities in northern Niger, near the border with Libya.

Algeria has substantial economic interests in the region. A planned gas pipeline would transport gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria. Additionally, Sonatrach, Algeria's state-owned energy company, signed an agreement with Niger's petroleum ministry to explore for oil in the Kafra region. Reuters reported that two exploration wells in that area are estimated to contain 168 million and 100 million barrels of oil, respectively.

The deployment represents a shift in Algeria's long-standing policy against overseas military operations. It is the first use of a constitutional provision adopted in 2020 that allows for such deployments. The timing and the specific number of soldiers to be sent have not yet been announced.

Relations between the two neighbors improved after a diplomatic rift in 2025. Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers at that time in solidarity with Mali, a close ally also under military rule. Tensions had escalated after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border. Algeria had previously condemned the 2023 coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum and brought General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power.

Diplomatic ties have strengthened since February 2026, when Tchiani visited Algeria. In late August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to Niger to help suppress a coup attempt. He also donated four military helicopters to the country.