Algeria on Sunday approved sending troops to neighbouring Niger to protect energy facilities, marking the country's first foreign deployment of military forces since the 1970s.
Algeria and Niger's relations had been strained for months following Algeria's downing last year of a drone from Mali. Algeria and Mali have since resumed diplomatic ties.
Niger faces persistent attacks by armed groups, including in areas near the border with Algeria. A military cooperation protocol was signed by the two sides, according to Algerian reports, but no details were given at the time.
Additionally, Algeria inaugurated a 40-megawatt power plant in June intended to supply electricity to Niamey and surrounding areas.
The deployment of troops outside Algeria's territory required the approval of two-thirds of its parliament, according to a constitutional amendment from 2020. The parliament's lower house said it also voted by an absolute majority to deploy the military unit in Niger, though it did not provide numbers. Statements from both houses of parliament confirmed the approval.
The parliament's lower house said it also voted"by an absolute majority"to deploy the military unit in Niger, though it did not provide numbers.
The upper house approved the proposal, it said with a legislator telling it was approved by all 148 members in attendance.