Tensions between Mali and Burkina Faso

Tensions between Mali and Burkina Faso within the Sahel States Confederation had led to a brief period of anger with Algeria after a Malian drone was shot down by the Algerian army in April 2025. This incident temporarily strained relations between Algeria and its neighbors, but the situation eased by February of last year when the countries reconciled, despite Mali’s reservations.

Energy interests take precedence

Other interests, particularly energy-related ones, have taken precedence in the region. The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, intended to transport gas extracted in Nigeria to Algeria, was relaunched. This move highlights the growing importance of energy cooperation in the Sahel region.

Algerian military activity in Niger

In August, when Algiers had just given four helicopters to the Nigerien forces, the public Algerian group Sonatrach began drilling a new oil well near the town of Kafra in northern Niger. This activity coincided with increased military and security cooperation between Algeria and Niger.

Algerian military intervention in Niger

Shortly after a "mutiny" by Nigerien soldiers, repressed by the forces loyal to the junta in power since July 2023 as well as by the Russian paramilitary group "Africa Corps," the Algerian government sent four Su-30 fighter jets – armed with air-to-air missiles – and a refueling aircraft Iliushin Il-78 to Niamey. This move was at the request of the Nigerien authorities.

Algerian defense commitment

The Algerian Ministry of Defense stated that this operation reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening security and stability in the region, while reiterating its support for Niger. This intervention was unprecedented, as Algeria had not conducted operations beyond its borders since the Yom Kippur War.

Military non-intervention policy relaxed

Since the Yom Kippur War, during which Algeria had provided military and financial support to Egypt, the People's National Army had no longer been authorized to conduct operations beyond its borders. This non-intervention policy was relaxed after a constitutional revision in 2020, allowing for more regional military engagement.

Defense agreement between Algeria and Niger

Regardless of its break with France and the United States on the military level, facing a jihadist threat it cannot contain, Niger has concluded a defense agreement with Algeria on October 21. The content of this agreement has not been revealed, but it is expected to be implemented soon.

Algerian Parliament authorizes troop deployment

Four days after the defense agreement, the Algerian Parliament authorized the sending, at the request of Niamey, of troops into northern Niger. This deployment was justified as necessary to protect the country’s vital interests due to the expansion of transborder threats and regional instability.

Algerian military base in Madama

According to information obtained by Jeune Afrique, the Algerian military detachment should be based in Madama, where the French forces of Operation Barkhane had established an advanced operational base, located about 100 kilometers from the border with Libya. This location is strategically significant for regional security.

Algerian military mission focus

The information portal Algeria 360 specifies that the Algerian military mission will essentially consist of "protecting energy infrastructure and not engaging in combat." This focus highlights the strategic importance of safeguarding energy resources in the region.

Algerian president's public commitment

At the beginning of October, the Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, had warned that Algeria would protect Niger no matter what. He declared, "We will protect Niger no matter what. If it is the subject of a plot, we are at its side, in the same trench, with actions, not with words," emphasizing the country’s strong support for Niger.