Algeria, Africa’s second-strongest military, has approved its first overseas troop deployment in 53 years to protect strategic energy interests in neighbouring Niger, where its state-owned energy company is involved in a $13 billion gas pipeline project.
- Algeria’s parliament has approved the first overseas military deployment since 1973, sending troops to Niger to protect energy interests.
- The mission aims to safeguard Algerian investments and energy infrastructure, particularly those linked to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline.
- This move follows intensified military cooperation between Algeria and Niger, amid Niger’s growing security ties with Russia.
- Algerian forces will not engage in combat but will secure economic sites in response to instability in Niger and Sahel region threats.
Algerian lawmakers approved the deployment on October 25, 2026, although authorities have yet to disclose the number of troops involved or when the mission will begin.
The decision marks Algeria’s first overseas military deployment since supporting Egypt in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
Algeria moves to protect strategic energy interests in Niger
Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti said the troops would be deployed “to protect Algeria’s economic and strategic interests, particularly its oil facilities in Niger.”
“We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure,” he told reporters after the parliamentary vote.
“It is simply an adaptation of our doctrine to evolving circumstances so we can rise to the new challenges imposed by the situation in the Sahel region.”
Algeria’s state-owned energy company Sonatrach has investments in Niger, including its involvement in the proposed $13 billion Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which would transport Nigerian natural gas through Niger to Algeria for export to European markets, including Italy.
Parliament’s approval follows a visit by Nigerien Defence Minister General Salifou Mody to Algeria last week, during which he met President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and army chief General Said Chanegriha.
Both countries subsequently signed a military cooperation agreement, although its terms remain undisclosed.
Algeria strengthens military cooperation with Russia-backed Niger
Relations between Algeria and Niger have improved following diplomatic tensions over Niger’s 2023 military takeover, with both countries expanding defence cooperation.
Niger has also strengthened military ties with Moscow, receiving Russian equipment, air defence systems and training assistance as its military-led government reduces reliance on Western security partners.
Algeria has stepped up military support for Niamey, donating four helicopters in August 2026, including two Mi-24V attack helicopters and two Mi-171 helicopters, alongside ammunition, spare parts and maintenance equipment.
As part of its intervention during the same month, Algiers also deployed four Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and an aerial refuelling aircraft following an attempted mutiny against Niger’s military government.
President Tebboune confirmed the intervention in October, while Algeria’s Defence Ministry said the aircraft had been dispatched at Nigerien authorities’ request on “a mission to support the Nigerien army in confronting an attempt to destabilise the brotherly state of Niger”.
