Algerian Parliament Approves Troops Deployment to Niger
According to a report by Reference News Network on October 28, Agence France-Presse reported on October 25 that Algeria's upper and lower houses of parliament approved a proposal on the 25th to send troops to neighboring Niger to "protect energy facilities."
This troop deployment marks the first time since Algeria sent troops to support Egypt during the Fourth Middle East War in 1973.
A member of parliament revealed that out of 174 seats in the upper house, 148 members voted in favor of this move.
The lower house of parliament also stated that it had approved the deployment of military forces to Niger by an "absolute majority" vote.
The backdrop for Algeria's rare move is the restoration of tense relations between the two countries earlier this year, which deepened security cooperation following the failed coup in Niger in August.
The two neighboring countries, which share a 960-kilometer desert border, have agreed to deepen cooperation to combat violent activities of extremist armed groups, cross-border crime, and human trafficking.
Earlier this month, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune indicated that military intervention in Niger might occur.
In a televised speech on October 3, he stated, "In any case, we will protect Niger. I won't name names, but some countries are conspiring against (Niger). We stand with Niger." Before the vote in the Algerian parliament, Niger's Minister of State for Defense, Salifou Modi, visited Algeria on the 21st and held meetings with Tebboune and Chief of Staff Said Chengriha. (Translation/ Qiu Fang)
Algeria's parliament approved the deployment of troops to Niger on October 25, 2023, to protect energy facilities. The upper house saw 148 out of 174 senators vote in favor, while the lower house also supported the decision by an absolute majority. This marks Algeria's first military deployment since 1973, reflecting strengthened security cooperation between the two nations after recent tensions.
- Algerian parliament approved troop deployment to Niger on October 25, 2023.
- 148 out of 174 senators voted in favor of the deployment.
- The deployment aims to protect energy facilities in Niger.
- This is Algeria's first military deployment since 1973 during the Fourth Middle East War.
- Algeria and Niger have deepened security cooperation following a coup attempt in Niger.