Sahel Security: Algerian Army on the Frontlines to Shield Strategic Energy Assets
ALGIERS — Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune decided Monday to send National People’s Army (ANP) units to Niger to secure joint Algerian-Nigerien economic and energy assets.The deployment follows constitutional authorization from both houses of the Algerian Parliament.
The parliamentary mandate empowers the President to deploy forces specifically to safeguard critical strategic projects across the border, responding to heightened security threats in the Sahel.
The security mission aims to protect vital energy and transport infrastructure, including Sonatrach and Sonelgaz installations, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and cross-border fiber optic networks. These assets face mounting risks from active militant groups, including JNIM and Islamic State affiliates operating in the border region.
Security reports also indicate potential cross-border destabilization risks stemming from Southern Libya.
By deploying forces with parliamentary approval, Algiers seeks to secure its expanding economic investments in Central Africa while establishing a safe transit corridor for Nigerien exports to Mediterranean ports.
