Algeria Deploys Military to Niger in First Foreign Deployment Since 1973 to Bolster Sahel Security

Analysis
Algeria has broken its post-1973 pattern of keeping forces home, and its fighters, tanker and helicopters now share a Niamey base with Russia's Africa Corps. Algiers is positioning itself beside Moscow in Niger, not against it, which narrows its room to criticize Russian forces in the Sahel. Pipeline security across roughly 1,600 kilometers of Nigerien territory and a 951-kilometer shared border drive the move, though mission scope beyond fighter patrols is not yet visible. The deployment appears to have bypassed Article 91's two-thirds parliamentary approval, so watch for domestic legal challenge and pressure for retroactive approval. The deployment may instead be largely symbolic signaling, timed after Russian forces ended the mutiny, to claim credit with Niamey and offset Moroccan influence rather than build a lasting role. Confidence is high, given consistent reporting from four outlets on aircraft, dates and ministry statements, though the legal point rests on no vote having been reported.