🇩🇿🇳🇪 ALGERIA APPROVES FIRST FOREIGN TROOP DEPLOYMENT IN 53 YEARS AS AFRICA'S SAHEL SECURITY CRISIS DEEPENS
Algeria has taken a historic step toward sending its military into neighboring Niger, marking a major shift in a defense policy that has largely kept Algerian soldiers within the country's borders for more than five decades.
On October 25, both houses of Algeria's parliament approved the proposed deployment. If carried out, it would be the country's first foreign troop mission since Algerian forces participated in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
According to Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti, the operation is intended to protect the country's strategic and economic interests, particularly oil facilities connected to state-owned energy company Sonatrach.
Reuters reported that the troops are expected to deploy to Madama in northern Niger, near the Libyan border. However, the number of soldiers and deployment date have not been officially disclosed.
The decision follows improving relations between Algeria and Niger after earlier diplomatic tensions. Algeria also sent Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Niger in August following what Algerian authorities described as an attempt to destabilize Niger's military-led government.
The deployment comes as the Sahel experiences a major security realignment. France and the United States withdrew troops from Niger in 2023 and 2024, respectively, while Russia has expanded its regional military relationships.
Algeria's decision could also help secure energy projects, including the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline connecting Nigeria, Niger and Algeria to European markets.
Post a Comment