First Algerian troops arrive in Niger, Algeria's first foreign deployment since 1973

Right · 2An Algerian army convoy has arrived in Niger, in Algeria's first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to support Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, according to Reuters. 1 2 Right · 1Reuters said it spoke to 10 people who said the first Algerian military convoy had reached Arlit, a uranium mining town in northwest Niger. 1 Right · 1Algeria has said the decision to deploy troops was taken to protect its energy and economic interests, without disclosing the size of the force or the timetable for their arrival. 1

Right · 2Energy is an important focus for Algeria in Niger, where the state-run oil and gas firm Sonatrach has investments; one major project, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline with Niger and Nigeria, aims to deliver African gas to Europe and other international markets. 1 2 Right · 2Niger, like other Sahel countries, is battling insurgents linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, and Algeria, which shares a border with Niger, has traditionally regarded Sahel-Sahara stability as an important regional security priority. 1 2 Right · 1Military officers have ruled Niger, which has uranium, oil and gold resources, since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, which Algeria initially opposed. 2

Right · 1Reuters described the deployment as a sign that relations between Algiers and Niamey have improved since last year, when Niger recalled its ambassador from Algeria after Mali accused Algeria of shooting down one of its drones near the border. 1