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Source: TSA Algérie |
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A series of tensions that ended up in a strong partnership |
The relation between Algeria and Niger soured in 2023. Algeria condemned the coup in Niger. A year later, Niger condemned Algeria’s migration policy. It accused Algeria of violent migrants expels. Last year, another crisis broke out. Algeria shot down a drone from Mali. The drone was flying over a position where rebels opposed to the Malian regime were installed. But it did so by flying in Algeria’s airspace. Niger supported Mali. It expelled Algerian ambassadors. |
But relations between Niger and Algeria warmed in February. Ties were restored. There have been official visits. Algeria provided four helicopters to Niger. It also deployed fighter jets after a mutiny in Niger. But the two states also took a step forward. They signed economic and security deals that greatly deepen their partnership. Algeria will even send troops to Niger. The number has not been given yet. They will occupy a base formerly occupied by France. The first convoy has arrived. |
This is a shift in Algeria’s doctrine. For decades Algeria applied a strict non-intervention doctrine. The last time it deployed troops was in 1973. It was during the Yom Kippur War opposing Arabs to Israel. This principle was core to Algeria’s foreign policy. But Algeria changed its constitution in 2020. The goal was to allow to send troops abroad. It still requires the approval by both chambers of parliament by a two third majority. This condition was obtained to send troops to Niger. |
The situation in the Sahel has evolved. It drove Algeria and Niger closer to tackle common issues. |
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Situation in Sahel |
To understand the outcome of the resumed ties between these two states, it is crucial to get the context. The Sahel is an area very hard to control and manage. It is vast. A large part of the area is desertic and not much inhabited. Positioning troops to ensure security is therefore extremely tough. |
The insecurity in the Sahel is in part due to the fall of Gaddafi in Libya. When Gaddafi was overthrown, weapons and armed fighters spread into neighboring states. These armed forces included rebels and terrorists. Al Qaeda and ISIS expanded their sphere of influence in the region. Libya is still a hotspot. It is divided between two leaders and very unstable. This instability in Libya is a threat to both Algeria and Niger. |
In the Sahel, many different issues overlap since, including: |
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But the Sahel has also been the theater of global competition. France used to be very present in the region. French forces spent over ten years trying to restore stability. After coups in the Sahel’s states, France was forced to leave. The U.S. also withdrew a thousand soldiers from Niger. The state’s new leaders ended their security cooperation deal with the U.S. Security partnerships shifted in the Sahel. |
Russia expanded its influence in the region. Algeria and Niger are major customers of Russian weapons. Russia also imposed itself as an alternative to France through Wagner and then its Africa Corps. But the results in terms of security are not satisfying. The UAE also stepped in. It became a key partner of Chad. It uses Chad’s territory to support the RSF in Sudan. But the UAE and Algeria turned to rivals and recently cut their ties. Niger and Chad’s relations are also tensed. Last week, Chad made a drone strike on Niger’s soil near the border with Algeria. Mali and Algeria also had ups and downs in their relation. But Algeria used the same strategy as it did with Niger. Despite disputes, Algeria puts the priority on influence projection. |
Security stakes |
Security in the Sahel is a key priority for both Niger and Algeria. Niger needs to tackle the armed groups that disturb its country. Algeria is Africa’s largest military spender. It spent 25 billion dollars on its armed forces last year. For Niger, Algeria can be a strong defense partner. |
Algeria needs the Sahel to be secured. It is crucial for its internal stability and secured borders. Former Algerian terrorists took ground in the Sahel. They made alliances with terrorist groups and Tuaregs there. If the Sahel regimes are overthrown, it would represent a risk for Algeria. |
In this context, Algeria and Niger signed a military cooperation protocol this month. The details have not been given yet. But it is very likely that they will join effort to tackle: |
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Economic stakes |
Algeria and Niger want to boost their cooperation in: |
Energy Hydrocarbons Mining
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Algeria and Niger will share production in the Kafra oil field in Niger. The Algerian state-owned oil and gas company Sonatrach will be in charge. This is Sonatrach’s most important investment project outside of Algeria. Sonatrach will operate in Kafra through its subsidiary Sipex. Exploratory drilling began in August. Algeria’s troops are supposed to protect this oil field and other Sonatrach’s investments in Niger. |
Algeria and Niger also cooperate on the Tran Saharan Gas pipeline project. The construction began in June in Algeria. This pipeline links Nigeria to Europe. It crosses Algeria and Niger. Algeria also began to build a power plant in Niger. It aims to reinforce the power network in the country. |
Diplomatic stakes |
Niger shows that it is diversifying its partnerships. It is doing so with a strong regional armed force. Algeria on the other hand is sending a signal through this expansion of influence. It shows its rivals that it is not isolated. It also shows that it is not bound by its non-intervention doctrine anymore. This is a message especially towards Morocco, the UAE, and Haftar’s Libya. These are Algeria’s main rivals and competitors in the region. Algeria sees them as a threat. |
Decoding geopolitics isn’t a job. It’s survival. |
Joy |
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