Algeria’s upper parliamentary chamber has approved a proposal to deploy troops to neighbouring Niger to protect energy infrastructure, signalling a possible change in the North African country’s long-standing military policy.
According to reports by AFP, 148 members of Algeria’s 174-seat Council of the Nation voted in favour of the proposal on Sunday. The country’s lower house was expected to consider the measure later that day.
If approved by both chambers, the deployment would represent Algeria’s first overseas military operation since it sent troops to assist Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
The proposed mission comes as Algeria and Niger work to strengthen security cooperation amid attacks by armed groups, cross-border crime and concerns about instability across the Sahel region.
A major economic interest behind the move is the planned Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through Niger and Algeria to European markets. Protecting the route and related energy infrastructure is considered an important part of the countries’ cooperation.
International relations researcher Abdellah Akir said the proposal represented a significant departure from Algeria’s traditional reluctance to conduct military operations outside its territory. He linked the move to Algiers’ efforts to protect its strategic interests and support the planned gas project.
Geoff Porter of North Africa Risk Consulting also described the proposal as evidence of Algeria adopting a more direct approach to maintaining its influence in the region, moving beyond its traditional reliance on diplomacy and multilateral institutions.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had earlier expressed support for Niger in a televised address on October 3, saying his country would protect its neighbour. He also highlighted bilateral agreements covering oil, mining and other sectors.
Under a constitutional amendment adopted in 2020, the deployment of Algerian troops abroad requires the approval of two-thirds of parliament.
The parliamentary decision followed a visit to Algeria by Nigerien Defence Minister Salifou Modi, who met Tebboune and Algerian army chief Said Chengriha. Reports from Algeria said the two countries signed a military cooperation protocol, although its details were not made public.
Algeria has also provided practical support to Niger, including four military helicopters requested by Nigerien authorities. In June, it inaugurated a 40-megawatt power plant intended to supply electricity to Niamey, Niger’s capital, and nearby communities.
Relations between the two countries had previously deteriorated after Algeria shot down a drone from Mali, prompting a diplomatic dispute. Niger joined Mali and Burkina Faso in recalling its ambassador from Algiers, although Algeria and Mali have since restored diplomatic relations.
The proposed troop deployment could strengthen security cooperation around strategic energy projects, including the pipeline intended to connect Nigeria’s gas resources with European markets.
