The Algerian National Council unanimously approved a decision on Sunday authorizing the deployment of military forces outside the country, as part of a potential operation in Niger. This measure marks a significant shift in Algerian military doctrine, which has traditionally been restrictive regarding foreign interventions.
The text must also be submitted to the National People's Assembly (APN), the lower house of Parliament, for adoption. This initiative comes after the signing last Wednesday of a memorandum of understanding between Algiers and Niamey aimed at strengthening their military and security cooperation.
The agreement notably includes the sharing of experiences in the fight against terrorism and the strengthening of the Nigerien army's operational capabilities. According to former Algerian diplomat Amar Belani, a potential deployment could involve the Madama military base in northern Niger, near the Libyan border. This location, however, remains to be officially confirmed.
This development is part of the Algerian constitutional framework, in particular the provisions introduced in 2020 allowing the country to participate in peacekeeping operations, under certain conditions.
If it materializes, this operation would constitute a turning point for the Algerian army, whose last participation in a conflict outside its borders dates back to the Arab-Israeli war of 1973.
Djamila Kambou
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