Algeria is sending troops to Niger for the first time in decades – what’s at stake
Originally published by The Conversation – Articles (AFRICA) — Read the original article →
Algeria recently announced it would deploy its army into neighbouring Niger. This marks a departure from its long-standing reluctance to deploy its military outside its borders. It last sent forces to support Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
On 25 October 2026, both chambers of Algeria’s parliament approved the deployment of army units to Niger. The following day, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune authorised the mission, saying it would protect the two countries’ shared energy and economic interests.
Days earlier, the two nations – which share a 951km border – had signed a military cooperation protocol.
