Algerian Troops Arrive in Niger in First Foreign Deployment Since 1973
An Algerian army convoy has reportedly arrived in Niger on Friday, in the country’s first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to support Egypt in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
Base on reports available the first convoy reached Arlit, a uranium mining town in Niger’s northwest. Algeria has not disclosed the size of the force or the timetable for its arrival. Algiers says the deployment protects its energy and economic interests. The state-run oil and gas firm Sonatrach has investments in Niger, and a major project is the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which aims to carry African gas to Europe and other markets.
Algeria’s parliament approved the deployment on Sunday, a day before the vote required two-thirds support under a 2020 constitutional amendment. It followed a visit to Algiers by Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Modi.
The move reflects a sharp turnaround in relations. Algeria initially opposed the July 2023 coup that brought Niger’s military rulers to power, and Niger recalled its ambassador last year after Mali accused Algeria of shooting down one of its drones near the border.
Niger, like other Sahel countries, is battling insurgents linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
