First Algerian military convoy arrives in Niger
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Business Day Nigeria
A first convoy of Algerian soldiers has arrived in Arlit, north-western Niger, to protect Algeria’s energy and economic interests. The deployment marks Algeria’s first foreign military intervention since 1973 and comes as Niger fights insurgent groups, according to Reuters, which cites 10 people familiar with the convoy’s arrival.
A first Algerian army convoy has arrived in Arlit, a mining town in north-western Niger, to protect Algiers’ energy and economic interests. This is the first deployment of Algerian troops abroad since forces were sent to Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, according to 10 people interviewed by Reuters.
Algeria has not disclosed the size of the force or the timetable for its arrival. Its state-owned company Sonatrach has investments in Niger, notably in the trans-Saharan gas pipeline project intended to transport African gas to Europe and other international markets. Niger has been ruled by the military since the July 2023 coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, according to Reuters.
The deployment follows the approval of Algerian troops in Madama, announced on 25 October, and then the dispatch of battalions to Niger, announced on 27 October.
