Algerian Parliament Approves Troop Deployment to Niger

Algeria’s parliament approved the deployment of army units to Niger, a move that would mark the country’s first overseas troop mission since forces were sent to support Egypt in 1973. The parliamentary statement said lawmakers unanimously approved the deployment to Madama in northern Niger, near the Libyan border. The approval concerns a planned deployment, not a confirmed arrival of troops. A Niger security source said no Algerian forces had officially deployed as of October 25. The parliamentary statement did not specify the number of personnel or when the mission would begin. Algerian officials and lawmakers have described the mission as focused on protecting facilities and strategic interests. Senator Belkacem Boulghiti said the troops would protect economic and strategic interests, particularly oil facilities, and that the mission was not intended to be combat operations. The detailed mandate and duration have not been made public. The stated deployment site, Madama, is near the Libyan border and was formerly a French base used during Operation Barkhane. Niger’s presidential chief of staff, Bacharou Ibro Amadou, visited the Kawar area, including Madama, for discussions...