Algeria is preparing to dispatch military personnel to neighbouring Niger for the first time in more than 50 years, following its previous overseas mission in Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict.
The decision comes after Niger’s defence minister travelled to Algiers to seek assistance in combating extremist organisations, including factions affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
The planned operation is expected to focus on safeguarding energy infrastructure in northern Niger, close to the Libyan frontier.
Both countries have economic interests in the area, particularly a proposed pipeline designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through Niger into Algeria.
On Sunday, Algeria’s upper parliamentary chamber convened an extraordinary sitting to consider the proposal.
The Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that 148 out of 174 senators endorsed the initiative. Members of the lower legislative chamber subsequently approved the measure.
Authorities have yet to disclose the number of personnel involved or establish a timetable for the mission.
The initiative represents a major departure from Algeria’s traditional opposition to overseas military operations.
It would also constitute the first application of a constitutional amendment adopted in 2020, which permits armed forces to undertake assignments beyond national borders.
Following the parliamentary vote, Algerian senator Belkacem Boulghiti clarified that the operation was not intended to launch a war, but rather to protect vital economic installations.
Meanwhile, state-owned energy firm Sonatrach has reached an agreement with Niger’s petroleum ministry to conduct oil exploration in the Kafra area.
Reuters reported that two prospective wells are believed to hold approximately 168 million and 100 million barrels of crude oil, respectively.
The latest development follows a period of strained relations between the neighbouring states.
Algeria opposed Niger’s 2023 military takeover, which removed democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and installed General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the country’s leader.
Diplomatic friction intensified in 2025 when Algerian forces destroyed a Malian drone near their shared frontier.
Niger subsequently withdrew its ambassador from Algiers in support of Mali, a close partner governed by a military administration.
However, bilateral cooperation has gradually recovered. Tchiani visited Algeria in February 2026, while Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune dispatched fighter aircraft to Niger in late August to assist authorities in thwarting an attempted coup.
Algiers also provided four military helicopters to support the country’s security efforts.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong