Algeria deploys troops to Niger for first time in 50 years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 10:38 · Archive

Algeria's parliament has approved the deployment of military forces to neighbouring Niger, the country's first foreign troop deployment since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

Algeria's lower and upper houses of parliament approved the troop deployment to Niger on Sunday. The upper house unanimously backed the proposal, with all 148 members in attendance voting in favour. The lower house also voted by an absolute majority, though neither chamber has yet disclosed the number of troops to be sent or a deployment timeline.

This marks Algeria's first foreign military deployment since 1973, when it sent forces to support Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war. The move breaks with Algeria's long-standing doctrine of military non-intervention beyond its borders, a foreign policy built on sovereignty and noninterference.

Algeria and Niger have been strengthening ties after repairing strained relations earlier this year. Niger's President Abdourahamane Tchiani visited Algeria in February, followed by a visit from Niger's defence minister to discuss security cooperation. The neighbours share a 960-kilometre desert border and face persistent attacks by armed groups. According to international relations researcher Abdellah Akir, the deployment is driven by the need to protect Algeria's strategic depth in the Sahel and to secure the future trans-Saharan gas pipeline being built by the two countries after decades of delays.

Algeria deploys troops to Niger for first time in 50 years — Image: France 24

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How it is being reported

Algeria to send troops to Niger in first foreign deployment in over 50 yearsAlgeria’s parliament on Sunday approved a resolution to send troops to Niger, making the first time Algerian soldiers will be deployed abroad since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Niger faces persistent attacks by armed groups, including near its border with Algeria, and the deployment comes as Algiers and Niamey are building the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline after decades of delays.France 24 · 26 Oct, 10:10
Algeria’s military deployment to Niger: What’s behind the move?This will be Algeria's first foreign troop deployment in 50 years as the country shifts its military doctrine.Al Jazeera · 26 Oct, 09:52

In this story: Algeria · Niger · Sonatrach · Abdourahamane Tchiani · Salifou Mody

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