Algeria orders troops to Niger after parliamentary approval
Algeria's president orders troop deployment to Niger after parliament approves, citing shared energy interests. First overseas deployment since 1973.
The story in focus
Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered troops to neighbouring Niger to protect shared energy and economic interests after both parliamentary chambers approved the deployment in an emergency session on Sunday, acting on a request from Niger's authorities, Al Jazeera reported.
- Algeria's presidency announced the deployment order on Monday, following parliamentary approval on Sunday.
- Niger requested military assistance to protect shared energy and economic interests.
- If carried out, it would be Algeria's first overseas military deployment since 1973.
- No troop numbers or timing have been announced.
- Algeria's Sonatrach has been working with Niger on the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline.
Parliamentary approval and constitutional basis
Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered troops to neighbouring Niger after both chambers of parliament approved the deployment in an emergency session on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera. The presidency announced the decision on Monday.
The presidency said authorities in Niger had requested military assistance. The deployment decision was made under provisions of Algeria's constitution allowing the military to operate abroad with parliamentary approval, the presidency said. A 2020 constitutional reform allows the president to authorise overseas deployments with the approval of at least two-thirds of legislators in each parliamentary chamber.
Energy interests and regional context
Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti told reporters after Sunday's parliamentary vote that the soldiers would protect economic infrastructure, particularly Algerian oil facilities in Niger. He described the mission as a response to changing security conditions in the Sahel region.
Algeria's state-owned energy company, Sonatrach, has been working with Niger on the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which would carry natural gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria for export to European markets.
If carried out, it would be Algeria's first overseas military deployment since 1973, when it sent soldiers to support Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war. The presidency did not announce how many soldiers would be sent or when.
What did Niger request from Algeria?
Niger requested military assistance to protect energy and economic interests shared by both countries, including Algerian oil facilities and the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, according to Al Jazeera.
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