Niger: EU questions Algeria over troop deployment

On October 30, 2026, EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said Brussels was closely monitoring Algeria’s deployment of soldiers to Niger and sought clarification about the mission’s scope, purpose and legal basis. Algeria’s parliament unanimously approved the deployment of units from the People’s National Army on October 25; Algiers says it is intended to protect shared energy interests. The EU supports efforts to promote security in the Sahel provided they respect international law, state sovereignty and civilian protection, and are transparent and proportionate. It is Algeria’s first overseas military deployment since 1973; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in early October, “We will protect Niger whatever happens.”