The head of Niger’s military junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has declared the start of a “new dynamic” with Algeria following talks in Algiers with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
End of Diplomatic Chill
Tebboune described the meeting as marking the end of “an abnormal period of chilliness” between the two nations. Relations had soured in April 2025 after Algeria shot down a drone from Mali, a member of the Alliance of Sahel States alongside Niger and Burkina Faso. The incident prompted all three countries to recall their ambassadors, with Algeria responding in kind.
Pipeline Project Revived
The centerpiece of the renewed cooperation is the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a 4,000-kilometre project that will transport gas extracted in Nigeria through Niger to Algeria. The pipeline has been on the drawing board for more than 15 years, with plans accelerating in early 2025 before the diplomatic fallout. Initial steps are expected to begin after Ramadan.
Economic and Social Support
Tebboune also pledged Algeria’s support for Niger, which is facing severe economic difficulties. He announced plans for projects in the health and education sectors, signaling a broader partnership beyond energy.
Regional Engagement
Algeria has recently stepped up outreach to Sahel states. Last week, a delegation visited Burkina Faso to discuss mining and hydrocarbons. However, ties with Mali remain strained, with Bamako accusing Algeria of maintaining ties with terrorist groups along their shared border.
Strategic Outlook
The revival of the pipeline project and Algeria’s promises of support highlight a pragmatic reset in relations. For Niger, the partnership offers economic lifelines and regional backing. For Algeria, it strengthens its role as a key energy and security player in North and West Africa.
