Algeria approves the deployment of "military forces" in Niger

The vote took place during an emergency closed-door session convened to consider the deployment of Algerian military forces abroad, according to Algerian media outlets, including the newspaper *El Khabar* and the Anadolu Agency.

Based on the information released, the mission involves securing oil projects in Niger operated by the Algerian state-owned company Sonatrach—specifically the "Sepax" projects—at the request of the Nigerien authorities. No details were disclosed regarding the size of the military force to be deployed, the timing of the deployment, or the duration of the mission.

The People's National Assembly—the lower house of the Algerian parliament—is scheduled to hold a session on Sunday evening to vote on the same request, following statements from the heads of the various parliamentary blocs.

This procedure is based on Article 91 of the Algerian Constitution, which authorizes the President of the Republic—in his capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the official responsible for national defense—to decide on the deployment of army units abroad, provided that both houses of parliament approve the move by a two-thirds majority.

The vote follows a visit to Algeria by Niger’s Minister of Defense, General Salifou Mody, who met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and held discussions with the Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, General Saïd Chengriha.

During the visit, a military cooperation protocol was signed between Algeria and Niger. This agreement is part of both nations' efforts to strengthen security and military coordination, secure their shared borders, exchange expertise in counter-terrorism, and bolster the operational capabilities of the Nigerien army in line with the needs of the authorities in Niamey. This development follows a notable rapprochement in Algerian-Nigerien relations over the past few months—encompassing the political, diplomatic, military, and economic spheres—after a period of tension between the two nations.

In late August, the Algerian Ministry of Defence announced the deployment of four fighter jets to Niamey, the capital of Niger, to support the Nigerien military in countering what it described as an attempt to destabilize the country. In October, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that the deployment was a response to an attempted coup in Niger.

The African Sahel region faces persistent security challenges, including the activity of armed groups, the trafficking of weapons and narcotics, and organized crime—factors that are compelling countries in the region to strengthen security cooperation and protect their borders and vital infrastructure.

According to media reports, should the necessary parliamentary approvals be secured and the decision implemented, this move would represent one of the most significant Algerian military deployments beyond its borders since the October 1973 war.