Algeria plans to send troops to protect energy infrastructure in northern Niger.
Algerian lawmakers have approved plans to send soldiers to protect energy infrastructure in Niger, marking a major shift in the country’s overseas military policy.
Algeria troop deployment plans for Niger have won parliamentary backing, paving the way for soldiers to protect energy infrastructure. The mission would mark Algeria’s first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
The decision follows a visit to Algiers by Niger’s defence minister as Niger seeks support against armed groups. Some of those groups have links to al-Qaeda or Islamic State.
However, authorities have not announced the deployment date or the number of soldiers involved. The troops are expected to guard energy facilities in northern Niger, near the Libyan border.
Algeria troop deployment marks policy shift
Algeria’s upper house held an emergency session on Sunday to consider the proposal. Of its 174 senators, 148 voted in favour, and the lower house subsequently backed the plan.
The mission would also mark the first use of a constitutional provision adopted in 2020 allowing overseas military deployments. It represents a significant departure from Algeria’s long-standing policy against sending troops abroad.
After the vote, Algerian senator Belkacem Boulghiti told reporters that the mission would secure economic infrastructure rather than wage war in Niger.
Energy interests underpin the mission
Algeria has economic interests in Niger, including a planned pipeline carrying Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria. Protecting infrastructure therefore forms a central part of the proposed military mission.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s state-owned energy company Sonatrach has signed an agreement with Niger’s petroleum ministry to explore for oil in the Kafra region. Estimates put the oil in two exploration wells at 168 million and 100 million barrels respectively.
Neighbours rebuild ties after diplomatic rift
The deployment also comes as Algeria and Niger repair relations following recent diplomatic tensions. Algeria condemned the 2023 coup that removed elected President Mohamed Bazoum and brought General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power.
Tensions rose again in 2025 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border. Niger then recalled its ambassador to Algiers in solidarity with Mali, a close ally also under military rule.
Relations have since improved, with Tchiani visiting Algeria in February 2026. In late August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to Niger to help suppress a coup attempt. He also donated four military helicopters.
