Niger Prime Minister Grateful for Algiers’ Military Aid

Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani confirmed that the situation in his country is "under complete control" following a recent military rebellion in the capital, Niamey. In a phone call with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President Tchiani stated that the attempt to destabilize the country had been thwarted. President Tebboune congratulated his counterpart on these efforts and reaffirmed Algeria's continued support for Niger, its people, and institutions.

This confirmation came as Algeria deployed four Su-30 fighter jets and an Il-78 aerial refueling tanker to Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport. The Algerian Ministry of National Defense stated this deployment was in response to a request from the Nigerien leadership, marking the first known instance of Algerian Su-30 fighter jets being relocated to another country. Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine personally met the crews upon their arrival, conveying his nation's "profound gratitude and appreciation" for Algeria's military assistance.

Algeria's swift action underscores its commitment to regional stability and strengthens bilateral ties with Niger. This move follows previous instances of cooperation, including a recent joint operation to liberate a German citizen kidnapped in Niger, and a military donation of four helicopters. The deployment of military units beyond Algerian borders aligns with the 2020 constitutional amendments, which permit such operations for peacekeeping missions under specific conditions, highlighting an evolving dimension of Algeria's foreign policy in safeguarding its regional interests.