Algeria to Deploy Troops to Niger in Its First Overseas Mission Since 1973

Algeria's parliament has approved sending soldiers to Niger to protect energy infrastructure, a major break from the country's long-standing policy of keeping its forces at home.

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Algeria is preparing to send troops to Niger, its first foreign military deployment since it dispatched forces to Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war in 1973.

The decision follows a visit to Algiers by Niger's defence minister. Niger is seeking help in confronting armed groups operating on its territory, some of which are linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

Algeria's upper house of parliament held an emergency session on Sunday to vote on the plan. According to AFP news agency, 148 of the 174 senators backed it. The lower house later gave its approval as well. Neither the timing of the deployment nor the number of soldiers involved has been announced.

The troops are expected to guard energy facilities in northern Niger, close to the Libyan border. Algeria has economic interests in the country, including a planned gas pipeline that would carry Nigerian gas across Niger to Algeria.

The move would be the first use of a 2020 constitutional provision that permits military deployments abroad. It also marks a significant shift from Algeria's long-held policy of not sending forces overseas. Algerian senator Belkacem Boulghiti told reporters after the vote: "We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure."

Energy cooperation between the two countries is also expanding. Algeria's state-owned 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 are estimated to contain 168 million and 100 million barrels, respectively.

Relations between the neighbours have not always been smooth. Algeria condemned the 2023 coup that removed Niger's elected President Mohamed Bazoum and brought Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani to power. Tensions flared again in 2025 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border. Niger responded by recalling its ambassador to Algiers in solidarity with Mali, a close ally that is also under military rule.

Ties have improved since then. Tchiani visited Algeria in February 2026. In late August, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to Niger to help put down a coup attempt, and he also donated four military helicopters.

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