Algeria's parliament has approved the deployment of army units to Niger, in what would be the country's first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to support Egypt in the 1973 war. Lawmakers unanimously backed sending National Army units to Madama in northern Niger, near the Libyan border, at a former French base used during Operation Barkhane, according to a parliamentary statement reported on Sunday 25 October. No troops had been officially deployed yet, according to a Niger security source, but the approval marks a break with Algeria's long-standing reluctance to send forces abroad.

Why Madama, and why now

The stated purpose is to protect energy interests and implement a bilateral agreement between the two neighbours. Sonatrach is working with Niger and Nigeria on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, intended to carry African gas to international markets. Sonatrach said in 2022 that it had signed a production-sharing agreement for the Kafra region, where two exploration wells held proven reserves of 168 million and 100 million barrels respectively. Reports also link the deployment to securing Sonatrach facilities in northern Niger.

A sharp turn after years of strain

The move highlights rapidly improving ties after a period of strain. Algeria opposed the 2023 coup that brought Niger's current military leaders to power, and relations worsened last year when Niger recalled its ambassador from Algiers after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near their border. Ties have improved this year: Niger's President Abdourahamane Tiani visited Algiers in February, and Niger's Defence Minister Salifou Mody travelled there on 20 October for security-cooperation talks. Niger is battling insurgents linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, and Algeria treats Sahel-Sahara stability as a key priority. The deployment will be watched closely for what it means for energy security and for Algeria's foreign policy.

Sources: Reuters; Israel Defense.