Algeria approves historic Niger Military mission

Algeria’s parliament has approved the deployment of military units to neighbouring Niger, paving the way for the country’s first overseas military mission since it sent troops to support Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

The decision was approved by both chambers of parliament on Sunday, October 25, following a period of renewed diplomatic and military cooperation between the two North African and West African neighbours.

According to Reuters, lawmakers unanimously backed the deployment of Algerian National Army units to Madama, in northern Niger, near the Libyan border.

The proposed deployment site previously hosted French forces involved in Operation Barkhane, a military campaign against armed groups in the Sahel.

However, the exact number of soldiers to be deployed and the timing of their arrival have not been officially disclosed.

A security source in Niger told Reuters that no troops had officially arrived at the site at the time of reporting.

The Associated Press reported that the mission is expected to protect Algeria’s economic and strategic interests, particularly energy infrastructure in Niger.

Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti said the deployment was intended to secure economic facilities rather than engage in combat.

Algeria’s state-owned energy company, Sonatrach, has interests in Niger, including oil exploration activities.

The two countries also have strategic interests in regional energy cooperation, including the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which aims to transport Nigerian natural gas through Niger to Algeria and onward to international markets.

The parliamentary decision follows a rapid improvement in relations between Algiers and Niamey after diplomatic tensions in recent years.

Niger’s military authorities seized power in a July 2023 coup, which Algeria condemned.

Relations deteriorated further following a dispute involving the downing of a Malian drone near Algeria’s border, prompting Niger to recall its ambassador from Algiers.

Cooperation has since intensified.

In August 2026, Algeria sent four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and an aerial refuelling aircraft to Niamey at the request of Nigerien authorities, following what Algiers described as an attempt to destabilise Niger’s military-led government.

Last week, Niger’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, visited Algeria and held talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and senior military officials.

The two countries signed a military cooperation protocol, although its full details were not made public.

Meanwhile, Niger’s presidential chief of staff, General Bacharou Ibro Amadou, visited the Kawar area, including Madama, to discuss military arrangements and plans for the base.

Niger continues to face attacks by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, particularly in parts of the Sahel.

The withdrawal of French and US forces following political changes in the region has also reshaped regional security partnerships.

Algeria has traditionally favoured non-intervention in foreign conflicts.

The proposed deployment therefore represents a significant shift in its military posture and could strengthen its role in regional security.