The Algerian parliament announced on Sunday that it has approved a decision authorizing the deployment of army units to Niger – marking the first time Algerian forces have been deployed abroad since 1973.
A parliament statement indicated that lawmakers voted unanimously in favor of deploying units of the National Army to Madama, in northern Niger near the Libyan border, a site that formerly housed a French base used during Operation Barkhane.
The statement noted, “The notification received from the President of the Republic, regarding the deployment of units of the People’s National Army outside the country (to the Republic of Niger), has been approved by a unanimous vote.”
According to Reuters, Niger—much like other countries in the Sahel region of West Africa—is engaged in a battle against insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Algeria shares a border with Niger and considers stability in the Sahel and Sahara region to be one of its primary regional security priorities.