Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani’s visit to Algiers on Sunday marks a significant step in repairing relations between Niger and Algeria after a year of diplomatic strain, with potential implications for security and economic cooperation across the Sahel.
The two-day visit, at the invitation of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, follows a severe rupture in bilateral ties rooted in a broader regional dispute. The crisis escalated in April 2025 when Algeria downed a Malian drone, leading both nations to withdraw ambassadors and freeze high-level dialogue. Tensions were further inflamed last spring when Algeria expelled over a thousand African nationals into the Nigerien desert in a single day—a move linked to the Algeria-Mali incident, given Niger’s alliance with Mali within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Recent diplomatic signals indicate a thaw. Algeria restored its ambassador to Niamey last week, and Niger’s envoy has resumed duties in Algiers. President Tiani’s trip is the first high-level engagement since the diplomatic freeze.
Analysts view the reset as strategically motivated. Bakary Sambe, a lecturer at Gaston Berger University and president of the Timbuktu Institute, said the visit signals Algeria’s intent to normalise its regional standing and reinforce its position as a key Sahel player. “This visit attempts to seal the end of a falling out and relaunch direct dialogue at the highest level,” Sambe noted, adding that talks are expected to prioritise defence and security coordination—critical issues given the region’s instability.
Beyond symbolism, the rapprochement addresses mutual pressures. Both nations face acute security challenges from armed groups and economic strain. Cooperation could reshape regional dynamics, particularly as Algeria seeks to present itself as a mediator while Niger consolidates historical and cultural ties with its northern neighbour.
A concrete outcome emerged during the talks: plans to advance the long-delayed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. President Tiani announced construction would begin in Niger in March, following Ramadan. The 4,000-kilometre project aims to transport Nigerian gas to Algeria, potentially strengthening Algeria’s role as an energy hub linking West Africa to Europe and deepening Niger’s economic integration. President Tebboune also pledged support for Niger’s health and education sectors amid its severe economic difficulties.
The reset, however, remains delicate. Mali—which accuses Algeria of harbouring armed groups along their border—has expressed reservations. A Malian diplomat stated Niger is “free to have relations with whoever it wants,” provided AES interests are not harmed, while an adviser in Bamako said Mali should have been briefed on the visit’s rationale.
The Algeria-Niger thaw highlights a shift in Sahel diplomacy as regional states navigate post-ECOWAS realignments. If sustained, the renewed partnership could enhance bilateral security coordination and unlock major infrastructure projects, though its full impact will depend on whether trust can be rebuilt and whether Algeria’s relations with other Sahel states, particularly Mali, can also stabilise.
