Algerian Troops Head to Niger to Guard Gas Infrastructure

Algeria has voted to send soldiers to Niger, ending a decades-long tradition of keeping its military at home. The move responds to a request from Niger’s defense minister for help against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

The Algerian upper house approved the plan on Sunday. Fourteen-eight of 174 senators voted in favor, according to the AFP news agency. The lower house subsequently backed the measure.

Officials say the troops will focus on protecting economic infrastructure rather than engaging in combat. Senator Belkacem Boulghiti told reporters that the mission is to secure economic assets. He stated, “We are not sending our soldiers to wage war in Niger, but for a mission to secure economic infrastructure.”

The primary target is a planned gas pipeline that will move Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria. The forces are expected to guard facilities in northern Niger, near the Libyan border. This area is strategic for regional energy flows and trade.

The deployment utilizes a constitutional provision added in 2020. That law allows for overseas military missions, a shift from Algeria’s long-standing policy against sending troops abroad. The last time Algerian forces operated overseas was in 1973 during the Arab-Israeli war.

This military step follows a period of diplomatic tension. Relations strained in 2025 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near its border. Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers in solidarity with Mali. However, ties have improved recently. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent fighter jets to Niger in late August to help suppress a coup attempt. He also donated four military helicopters. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who took power in a 2023 coup, visited Algeria in February 2026.

Energy interests underpin the decision. Sonatrach, Algeria’s state-owned energy company, signed an agreement with Niger’s petroleum ministry to explore for oil in the Kafra region. Reuters reported that two exploration wells in that area are estimated to hold 168 million and 100 million barrels of oil, respectively. The specific number of troops and their arrival date have not yet been announced.