Algeria’s parliament approved a resolution on Sunday authorizing the deployment of troops to Niger, marking the country’s first foreign military mission since 1973. That year, Algerian forces were sent to support Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war. Officials have not disclosed specifics regarding the timing, location, or size of the military contingent to be dispatched.

Senator Belkacem Boultif described the deployment as a protective measure aimed at securing Algeria’s economic and strategic interests, with particular emphasis on safeguarding oil infrastructure in Niger. Speaking to reporters after the parliamentary vote, Boultif emphasized that the mission is not intended to engage in combat operations but rather to safeguard vital economic assets.

He characterized the decision as an adaptation of Algeria’s military doctrine in response to evolving challenges posed by instability in the Sahel region. The Sahel, which includes Niger as well as Mali and Burkina Faso, has experienced increasing violence linked to extremist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These countries have each undergone political upheaval in recent years, including military coups, and continue to confront significant security challenges with limited resources.

Algeria’s state-controlled energy company, Sonatrach—Africa’s largest—has ongoing projects in Niger, notably the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. This initiative aims to transport natural gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria, facilitating exports to European markets. The protection of this infrastructure is seen as a key motivation behind Algeria’s decision to deploy forces.

The move represents a significant shift in Algeria’s military posture, as the country has traditionally refrained from overseas troop deployments in recent decades. Analysts note that the decision reflects growing concern in Algiers about the security situation in the Sahel and its potential impact on regional stability and Algeria’s economic interests.