53 Years: The Wait Ends for Algerian Troops in Niger
Algerian senators voted 148 to 28 to approve the first overseas military deployment since 1973, aiming to protect gas infrastructure near the Libyan border.
By Daniel Bernard ·
Algeria is moving to end a 53-year gap in overseas military deployments. The country will send troops to Niger, marking the first time since 1973 that Algerian forces have been stationed abroad. That previous deployment sent troops to Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war.
The decision follows a 148 to 28 vote in the Algerian Senate on Sunday. The lower house of parliament also backed the measure. This action utilizes a 2020 constitutional provision that permits overseas military operations. It represents a shift from Algeria’s long-standing policy of keeping its forces within its own borders.
The primary goal of the mission is to secure economic infrastructure. The troops are expected to protect energy facilities in northern Niger, close to the border with Libya. Algeria has a planned gas pipeline that would transport gas through Niger to its own territory. Sonatrach, the state energy company, has also signed an agreement to explore for oil in the Kafra region.
Senator Belkacem Boulghiti told reporters that the mission is not to wage war. "We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure," he said. Specific details regarding the number of soldiers and the exact timing of the deployment have not yet been announced.
This deployment comes as the two neighbors rebuild their relationship. Tensions rose in 2025 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border. In solidarity with Mali, Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers. Relations had previously strained in 2023 when Algeria condemned the coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power after the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Diplomatic ties have improved in the past year. General Tchiani visited Algeria in February 2026. In late August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to help suppress a coup attempt in Niger. He also donated four military helicopters to the country. The recent visit by Niger’s defense minister to Algiers helped facilitate the agreement for the new troop deployment.
Source: BBC News
