The head of Niger’s military junta, Abdourahamane Tiani, has announced the beginning of what he described as a “new phase” in relations with Algeria.
General Tiani met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers on Monday, where both leaders confirmed plans to proceed with the construction of a major gas pipeline project.
President Tebboune stated that the visit signalled the close of what he termed “an abnormal period of cool relations” between the two countries.
Tensions had escalated in April when Algeria shot down a Malian drone. Mali is a member of the Alliance of Sahel States, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso. In response to the incident, the three countries recalled their ambassadors from Algiers, with Algeria taking similar diplomatic measures.
The proposed pipeline, linking Algeria and Nigeria, will pass through Nigerien territory. Preliminary works are expected to commence after Ramadan.
The 4,000-kilometre Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria to Algeria. Although first proposed more than 15 years ago, momentum behind the project increased in early 2025 before relations between Algeria and the Sahel states deteriorated.
Following Monday’s discussions, President Tebboune pledged Algeria’s support to Niger as it grapples with significant economic challenges, outlining prospective cooperation in the health and education sectors.
Algeria recently dispatched a delegation to Burkina Faso to explore collaboration in mining and hydrocarbons. However, relations with Mali remain strained, with Bamako accusing Algeria of maintaining links with armed groups operating along their shared border.