Algerian lawmakers approved a military mission to guard energy facilities in Niger
Algeria’s parliament approved sending troops to neighbouring Niger to protect energy facilities, in the country’s first foreign military deployment since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, France 24 reported. The deployment is reportedly aimed at protecting oil installations belonging to state-owned Sonatrach. Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti told the Associated Press it would safeguard Algeria’s economic and strategic interests.
More context
France 24 reported that lawmakers approved a Niger mission to guard energy facilities, marking Algeria’s first overseas military deployment since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Both chambers adopted a decree from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Bloomberg reported. Al Jazeera said the Council of the Nation approved it unanimously before the People’s National Assembly ratified it. The troops are reportedly intended to protect oil installations belonging to state-owned Sonatrach. The Associated Press, as quoted by Al Jazeera, cited Algerian Senator Belkacem Boulghiti saying the deployment would protect Algeria’s economic and strategic interests, particularly its oil facilities. France 24 said the decision comes amid efforts to repair strained relations and deepen security ties, and after a thwarted mutiny in Niger in August. Niger faces persistent armed-group attacks, including near the countries’ 960-kilometre border.
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Verifier’s note
Bloomberg reports that both Algerian parliamentary chambers approved the deployment, and Al Jazeera likewise reports approval by both houses. France 24 reports the same approval, while the other results describe only the upper-house vote or repeat earlier reporting.