Algeria Sends Its Air Force to Niger at the Request of Niger

Algeria announced on August 30, 2023, that it has sent four Su-30 fighter jets, one refueling aircraft, and one military transport plane to Niger at the request of Niger's officials and under the order of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This action was taken to assist its African neighbor against destabilizing efforts.

Action Following Unrest

This support operation took place one day after an unsuccessful coup attempt in Niger, a country that has been under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani since July 2023. Niger, which shares a 950-kilometer border with Algeria, is experiencing rising tensions. On August 28 and 29, a rebellion targeted several strategic points in the capital, Niamey, including the presidential palace, Diori Hamani International Airport, and military base 101.

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Response to Security Challenges

According to a senior researcher at a non-profit organization, the grievances of the rebels have primarily been military and organizational. The researcher, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "These soldiers have witnessed heavy casualties in their units, while the presidential guard, Tiani's force, is concentrated around the capital and is better equipped."

The unrest in Niger, especially following the killing of 18 soldiers near Dosso in the week prior to the rebellion, has heightened tensions. Additionally, in December 2019, 71 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an attack on the Inates military base, and 89 others lost their lives in an attack on the Chingoudra military post a month later. Both attacks were claimed by ISIS in the Sahara.

Algeria is faced with the reality that the security situation is deteriorating, raising a strategic question: how long can it remain aloof from the spread of chaos at its borders?

Analysts believe that the public deployment of Algerian military forces to Niger signifies a shift in the country's non-intervention doctrine, which has been maintained since independence from France in 1962. Ricardo Fabiani, North Africa Project Director at the International Crisis Group, stated: "For Algeria, it is no longer feasible to defend its security and national interests solely by protecting its borders. The country must also maintain its strategic depth."

This move also allows Algeria to assert its influence against foreign powers seeking to strengthen their presence in the region.

The Sahara region has become an attractive area for several countries. Morocco has strengthened its cooperation with Niger since the military coup in 2023; Turkey is providing military drones to the Nigerien army; and over 300 Italian soldiers are stationed at base 101. Algeria views these foreign activities with skepticism, particularly the activities of the United Arab Emirates, which Algeria believes indirectly finances armed groups and separatists in the Sahara.

Following months of political tension, Algeria officially severed diplomatic relations with Abu Dhabi on September 10, 2023. However, Algeria's porous borders with Niger allow for the maintenance of relations among local populations, but this also presents significant security challenges for Algeria.

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