Algeria’s parliament has unanimously approved the deployment of military forces to neighbouring Niger, marking what would be the country’s first overseas troop deployment since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
The decision, announced on Sunday, authorises units of the Algerian National Army to deploy to Madama in northern Niger, close to the Libyan border, according to a parliamentary statement.
The location previously hosted a French military base used during Operation Barkhane, France’s counterterrorism campaign across the Sahel.
The move represents a significant shift in Algeria’s longstanding defence posture and underscores rapidly strengthening military relations between Algiers and Niamey.
However, a Nigerien security source said no Algerian forces had officially entered the country as of Sunday.
Preparations appear to be underway on the Nigerien side. General Bacharou Ibro Amadou, chief of staff to Niger’s president, has been touring the Kawar area of the Agadez region since October 19.
He visited Madama for discussions with military commanders before travelling to Dirkou, where he met security officials and traditional leaders to discuss plans for the military facility.
Relations recover after diplomatic tensions
The agreement follows a period of strained relations between Algeria and Niger, particularly after the July 2023 military coup that brought Niger’s current leadership to power.
Algeria initially opposed the overthrow of Niger’s civilian government.
Relations deteriorated further in 2025 when Niger recalled its ambassador from Algiers following the Algerian military’s downing of a Malian drone near the border.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are governed by military administrations that seized power through coups and subsequently established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Despite earlier disagreements, Algeria and Niger have moved towards closer political and security cooperation in recent months.
Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani travelled to Algiers in February, while Defence Minister Salifou Mody visited the Algerian capital on October 20 with a delegation of military experts.
The talks focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and addressing shared security challenges.
Security concerns drive cooperation
Algeria shares an extensive southern frontier with Niger and has long viewed instability across the Sahel as a direct threat to its national security.
Niger continues to confront armed groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and Daesh, which have carried out attacks across the wider Sahel region.
The deployment to Madama could strengthen security coordination near the borders of Niger, Algeria and Libya, an area affected by militant activity, smuggling networks and cross-border insecurity.
The parliamentary authorisation also signals a potentially significant change in Algeria’s military engagement abroad.
Algeria last sent combat forces beyond its borders in 1973, when it deployed troops and military equipment to support Egypt during the October War against Israel.
Energy interests strengthen bilateral ties
The growing security partnership coincides with expanding Algerian economic interests in Niger, particularly in the energy sector.
Algeria’s state-owned energy company Sonatrach is involved in developing the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline alongside Niger and Nigeria.
The project aims to transport Nigerian natural gas through Niger and Algeria to international markets, particularly Europe.
Sonatrach also signed a production-sharing agreement with Niger’s petroleum ministry in 2022 covering the Kafra exploration area.
According to the company, two exploration wells in the region have proven reserves estimated at 168 million and 100 million barrels, respectively.
The combination of security concerns, diplomatic rapprochement and energy cooperation has brought Algeria and Niger closer together, with the proposed military deployment potentially opening a new chapter in their strategic relationship.
