Algeria Votes to Place Troops in Niger for Energy Security

Nigerian gas infrastructure will soon have Algerian soldiers standing guard. The deployment is set to protect energy facilities in the north of Niger, an area close to the Libyan border. This move follows a visit to Algiers by Niger's defence minister, who sought support against armed groups. Some of these factions maintain links to al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.

The Algerian upper house of parliament held an emergency session on Sunday to review the proposal. According to the AFP news agency, 148 of the 174 senators voted in favor. The lower house subsequently backed the measure. While the legislative path is clear, the government has not yet announced the exact number of soldiers or the specific timeline for the deployment.

Senator Belkacem Boulghiti addressed reporters immediately after the vote. He stated, "We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure." This language frames the mission as a defensive operation focused on assets rather than a combat engagement.

The decision marks a shift in military policy. It will be the first time since 1973 that Algeria has sent forces abroad. In 1973, Algerian troops were sent to Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war. The current move also utilizes a 2020 constitutional provision that allows for overseas deployments. This provision had not been used prior to this vote.

Algeria holds substantial economic interests in Niger. A planned gas pipeline will transport gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria. Additionally, Sonatrach, the state-owned energy company, signed an agreement with Niger's petroleum ministry to explore the Kafra region for oil. Reuters reported that two exploration wells in that area are estimated to hold 168 million and 100 million barrels respectively.

The two neighbors are rebuilding ties after a diplomatic rift in 2025. Tensions rose when Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border. Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers in solidarity with Mali, a close ally under military rule. Relations improved in February 2026 when Niger's leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, visited Algeria.

In late August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to Niger to help suppress a coup attempt. He also donated four military helicopters. This recent military assistance preceded the parliamentary vote on the ground troops. The 2023 coup that ousted Niger's elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, had previously strained the relationship.