Description: Algeria’s Parliament has move forward with a resolution approving the deployment of Algerian military troops to Niger. The move marked the first foreign troop deployment by Algeria since 1973 when the country supported Egypt in the Arab – Israeli war. Algerian senator, Belkacem Boulghiti, stated that Algerian troops were deployed in order to protect Algeria’s national economic interests and energy assets in the country. The strategic asset in question is Sonatrach’s Trans – Saharan gas pipeline project which was established for transporting natural gas from Nigeria through Niger and Algeria designated for the European markets. The move marks a significant strategic shift in Algeria’s foreign policy doctrine of non – intervention.
Impact: Algeria’s troop deployment highly likely positions the country for long – term strategic gains, such as becoming a major energy hub for European markets and a major security partner in the Sahel. The deployment likely sets the foundations for deeper strategic ties between Niger and Algeria and likely expands Algeria’s regional influence in the Sahel as a backdrop to jihadist violence, separatist movements and instability. Algerian troops are unlikely to engage in offensive operations, however, their presence in Niger is likely to make them legitimate targets for terrorist actors operating in the country. Niger likely benefits by reinforcing security on crucial energy projects such as the Trans – Saharan gas pipeline securing the country’s role as an energy transition hub.