EU seeks clarification from Algeria over military deployment in Niger

The European Union has asked Algeria to clarify the nature, objectives and legal basis of its military deployment in Niger, as the reported presence of Algerian troops on Nigerien territory raises questions about regional security and respect for national sovereignty.

Anouar El Anouni, the European Commission’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, addressed the deployment during the Commission’s daily press briefing in Brussels on Friday, saying EU institutions were closely monitoring developments and awaiting further information on the scope and purpose of the operation, as well as the legal grounds underpinning it.

He stressed the need to respect international law, national sovereignty and civilian protection, calling for military and security measures to be “transparent” and “proportionate” and to contribute to easing regional tensions.

The EU’s request follows the reported arrival of an Algerian military convoy in the Nigerien city of Arlit late last month. Located in northwestern Niger, Arlit is known for its uranium mining industry. The deployment has been described in reports as the first time Algerian troops have operated outside the country since Algeria supported Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War.

On Oct. 25, Algeria’s parliament unanimously approved the deployment of units from the People’s National Army inside Niger, following a notification from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The decision marked a new phase in Algeria’s military involvement beyond its borders and raised questions about the mission’s scope, duration and potential implications.

The deployment comes amid persistent security challenges across the Sahel, where armed groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State remain active. Algerian troops operating in the region could face security threats, including attacks or the risk of being drawn into confrontations beyond the operation’s stated objectives.

The move has also prompted questions about the wider regional implications of a foreign military presence in an area already affected by competition among regional and international powers. Previous military interventions in the Sahel have highlighted the difficulties of achieving lasting stability through security measures alone.

Algeria has linked its decision to protecting its economic interests and energy investments in Niger, particularly projects involving state-owned energy company Sonatrach, including the Kafra field, as well as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project involving Algeria, Niger and Nigeria.

However, relying on a military deployment to protect energy infrastructure could also expose strategic facilities to additional security risks if areas hosting troops become targets for armed groups.

The operation may also entail higher costs for protecting investments and strategic infrastructure, alongside the military and logistical resources required to maintain a presence across a vast and challenging region.

Algeria-Niger relations have fluctuated since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Ties have shown signs of improvement in recent months, with Tebboune saying in early October that Algeria would protect Niger “whatever happens.”

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