Algerian Senate Authorizes Historic Troop Mission to Niger

Algeria’s upper house of parliament approved a plan to station soldiers in Niger on Sunday, marking the country’s first foreign military deployment since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The measure passed with 148 votes in favor and 28 against, according to the French news agency AFP. The lower chamber subsequently backed the proposal.

The decision follows a visit to Algiers by Niger’s defense minister, who sought assistance in countering armed groups. Several of these factions are linked to al-Qaeda or the Islamic State. Algerian officials indicated that the troops would focus on securing economic infrastructure in northern Niger, specifically near the border with Libya. This area is home to energy facilities tied to a planned gas pipeline designed to transport resources from Algeria through Niger.

The deployment represents the first application of a 2020 constitutional provision that permits overseas military operations. It signals a shift in Algeria’s long-standing policy of avoiding the use of forces abroad. Belkacem Boulghiti, an Algerian senator, explained the rationale to reporters after the vote. He stated that the mission is not intended to wage war but to secure economic assets.

The move arrives as the two neighbors work to repair a diplomatic relationship that deteriorated in 2025. Tensions escalated after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border. In response, Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers in solidarity with Mali, a close ally under military rule. The rift followed Algeria’s condemnation of the 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power and installed General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

Diplomatic ties have improved in recent months. General Tchiani visited Algeria in February 2026. Later in August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to Niger to help suppress a coup attempt and donated four military helicopters. These gestures helped pave the way for the current security arrangement.

Economic stakes in the region are high for Algeria. The state-owned energy company Sonatrach has signed an agreement with Niger’s petroleum ministry to explore for oil in the Kafra region. Reuters reported that two exploration wells in the area are estimated to contain 168 million and 100 million barrels of oil, respectively. The protection of these assets is a central component of the military mission.

Authorities have not yet announced the specific number of soldiers to be deployed or the exact timeline for their arrival. The mission is expected to focus on the northern region where the energy projects are located.