Algerian Parliament Votes in Favor of Deploying Troops to Niger

The Algerian Parliament voted today, Sunday, in favor of a decision to deploy Algerian forces to Niger.

A statement read: "The notification from the President of the Republic regarding the deployment of units of the National People's Army outside the country (Republic of Niger) was approved unanimously by the voters."

Earlier on Sunday, the Algerian Council of the Nation (the upper house of Parliament) had voted unanimously in a closed session on a decision to deploy units of the National People's Army to Niger.

The Algerian Constitution, in Article 91, paragraph 2, allows for the deployment of army units abroad, provided that parliamentary approval is obtained by a two-thirds majority in each chamber.

The vote came after a visit by the Nigerien Minister of State and Minister of National Defense, General Salifou Modi, to Algeria, where he signed a military cooperation protocol with the Chief of Staff of the Algerian National People's Army, General Saïd Chengriha.

Chengriha announced the readiness of the Algerian army to consider any proposals put forward by Niger to enhance military and security cooperation, while the Nigerien official praised the level of coordination between the armies of the two countries, according to the Algerian Ministry of Defense.

In late August, Algeria sent four Su-30 fighter jets on a mission to support the Nigerien army, following events witnessed in the capital, Niamey.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that the decision to send fighter jets to Niger was in response to what he described as an "attempted coup" in Niamey.