First Algerian troops arrive in Niger where jihadists threaten stability

Oct 30 (Reuters) - An Algerian ‌army convoy ​has ​arrived in Niger in Algeria's first foreign troop deployment since it sent forces to support ‌Egypt during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

• Niger, like other ⁠countries in West Africa's Sahel region, is battling insurgents linked to ‌al Qaeda and Islamic ‌State

• Algeria, which shares a border with Niger, has traditionally regarded stability in the Sahel-Sahara as an important regional ​security priority

• Energy is an important focus for Algeria in Niger, where Algerian state-run oil and gas firm ⁠Sonatrach has investments

• One major project, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline with Niger and ​Nigeria, aims to deliver African gas to Europe and other international markets

• Reuters spoke to 10 ​people who said the first ‌Algerian military convoy had reached Arlit, a uranium mining town in the country's northwest

• Algeria ⁠has said the decision to deploy troops was taken to protect the country's energy and economic interests, without disclosing the size ⁠of the force or the timetable for their arrival

• Military officers ​have ruled Niger, which has uranium, oil and gold resources, since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, which Algeria ‌initially opposed

• The deployment is a sign that relations between Algiers and Niamey have improved ‌since last year, when Niger recalled its ambassador from ⁠Algeria, after Mali accused Algeria ‌of shooting down one ​of its drones near the border

(Writing by Ayen Deng Bior; Editing by Jessica Donati and Timothy ‌Heritage)

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