Algeria sends first foreign troops since 1973 to guard Niger gas assets

Algeria will deploy its military to Niger for the first time since 1973. The Senate approved the move on Sunday by a vote of 148 to 28. The lower house backed the decision shortly after. This marks the first use of a 2020 constitutional provision that allows overseas military deployments.

The troops are expected to protect energy facilities in northern Niger. These sites sit near the Libyan border. A planned gas pipeline will carry Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria. The mission aims to secure these economic interests.

Senator Belkacem Boulghiti addressed reporters after the vote. He said the soldiers are not going to wage war. He described the mission as a way to secure economic infrastructure. The deployment follows a visit to Algiers by Niger's defence minister. Niger seeks support against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

The two countries are rebuilding ties after a diplomatic rift in 2025. Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers that year. The move followed Algeria shooting down a Malian drone near its border. Niger acted in solidarity with Mali, a close ally under military rule.

Relations have improved since then. Niger's President, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, visited Algeria in February 2026. In late August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to help suppress a coup attempt. He also donated four military helicopters.

Algeria's state-owned energy company, Sonatrach, signed an agreement with Niger's petroleum ministry. The deal covers oil exploration in the Kafra region. Reuters reported that two exploration wells are estimated to contain 168 million and 100 million barrels. The specific number of soldiers and the timing of the deployment have not been announced.