Algeria’s parliament approved sending army units to Niger to protect energy assets, allowing what would be the country’s first overseas troop deployment since 1973, although officials have not said when the soldiers will go or how many will be sent.
The presidency said Monday that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the deployment after Niger’s authorities asked for military help. Both chambers of parliament approved the move in emergency sessions a day earlier. The mission is intended to protect shared economic interests and energy infrastructure.
Senators identified Algerian oil facilities as a priority. State energy company Sonatrach has interests in oil exploration in Niger. It is also involved in plans for a pipeline that would carry Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria.
Reports have identified Madama, in northern Niger near the Libyan border, as a possible place for the deployment. The authorities have not announced the force’s size, exact duties or start date. Algeria’s constitution allows overseas military missions if parliament approves them.
The decision is a major change from Algeria’s long-standing reluctance to send troops abroad. If carried out, it would be the first such deployment since 1973. That year, Algeria sent forces to support Egypt in the Arab-Israeli war.
The decision also follows closer security cooperation between Algiers and Niamey. Armed-group violence continues across the Sahel.