The Algerian National Assembly unanimously approves sending armed forces to Niger... Who is the target?

The Algerian National Assembly, the upper chamber of Parliament, on Sunday (October 25, 2026) in a closed session, approved a proposal to deploy armed forces in the neighboring country of Niger, according to a member of the Assembly.

This military deployment outside the borders, if it occurs, will be the first of its kind since Algeria sent forces to support Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war in 1973.

A member of the National Assembly, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that 148 members present (out of 174 members) voted unanimously in favor of sending army units “to protect energy facilities in Niger.”

Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf presented the proposal, which representatives of the National People’s Assembly (lower chamber) will vote on later today.

The Algerian Constitution stipulates that the President of the Republic has the right to "decide to send units of the People's National Army outside the country after the approval of Parliament by a two-thirds majority of the members of each chamber."

This rare step comes in light of the strengthening of security relations between Algeria and Niamey after the thwarting of a coup attempt in Niger last August.

The two neighbors, who share a desert border extending 960 km, agreed to deepen cooperation in confronting the violence of jihadist groups, cross-border crime and drug trafficking.

It also comes months after Algeria donated four military helicopters to Niamey, which faces continuous attacks from armed groups, including in areas near the border.

At the beginning of this month, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune hinted at the possibility of military intervention in the Sahel country. He said in a statement broadcast on state television: “We will protect Niger at all costs.” He added: "There are countries, whose names I will not mention, that conspired against (Niger). We stand by them." He continued: "Today we have interests... We have reached agreements (with Niger) in the oil and mining sectors and other sectors, and there are those who seek to destroy all of this overnight."

In July, Algeria opened a 40-megawatt power plant dedicated to supplying electricity to Niger's capital and surrounding areas.

Relations between Algeria and Niger witnessed tension for several months, after Algeria shot down a drone coming from Mali last year.

The incident sparked a diplomatic crisis, as Niger joined its allies Mali and Burkina Faso - who are led by military juntas - in recalling its ambassador from Algeria.