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Algeria sent four fighter jets to Niger on August 30 following recent unrest in the capital, Niamey, the Defense Ministry announced.
In a statement, the ministry said two patrols comprising four Su-30MKA fighter jets landed at Niamey airport, accompanied by an Il-78 aerial refueling plane.
The aircraft were deployed at the request of Nigerien authorities on “a mission to support the Nigerien army in confronting an attempt to destabilize the brotherly state of Niger,” it added.
According to the ministry, the deployment was ordered by Algerian Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha under instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to strengthen strategic cooperation between Algeria and Niger, “particularly in the military field.”
The ministry stressed that the operation “reaffirms Algeria’s firm commitment and determination to continue its efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region.” It also renewed Algeria’s “constant support for the government and people of Niger in overcoming this sensitive period.”
Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine received the Algerian mission and expressed “his thanks and gratitude” to Tebboune and the Algerian people for the support, according to the statement.
Late on August 28, a group of soldiers mutinied at Air Base 101, located within Diori Hamani International Airport, close to Niamey, and went on to attack the Presidential Palace. The mutiny was, however, crushed by the early morning of the next day.
In interviews broadcast on Russian media, Moscow’s ambassador to Niger, Viktor Voropayev, revealed that Niger had requested support from the Russian force and the mutineers were “neutralized particularly thanks to the intervention” of Africa Corps. The Corps was already deployed at Diori Hamani.
Algeria was the very first country to express support for Niger, its southeastern neighbor, stressing its “full solidarity” with the government there.
The regional Alliance of Sahel States (AES) that includes Burkina Faso and Mali also issued a statement expressing its “full support” for Niger and condemning the “betrayal” from the soldiers.
In addition, Turkey, another key ally of Niger, expressed solidarity with the country and its people, calling for “restraint” for the preservation of the country’s security and stability.
Air Base 101 is the site of a high-stakes security standoff centered on a highly contested stockpile of approximately 1,000 metric tons of concentrated yellowcake uranium—valued at roughly $170 million—which has become a symbol of a transforming global order.
The crisis was caused by the July 2023 military takeover led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, whose government subsequently nationalized the country’s uranium sector, revoked mining licenses from the French state-backed nuclear giant Orano, and seized the stockpile from the Arlit mine.
Seeking to break free from Western influence, Niger’s new military government expelled United States and French military forces, formed the AES, and established close military and nuclear partnerships with Russia, including Rosatom and the Africa Corps.
However, a legal blockade by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and a military border blockade by neighboring Benin, backed by France, have left Niger unable to export the uranium.
This high-value, stagnant stockpile has turned Air Base 101 and the adjacent international airport into volatile targets, triggering multiple devastating assaults by terrorist groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda. Niger has repeatedly and officially accused France of backing and funding these assaults.
Just eight days before the last mutiny, MDNtv had obtained documents relating to an alleged French scheme codenamed “Project Phoenix.” The material reportedly outlined plans to foment dissent within Niger’s army, stir unrest in Niamey, and target the presidency and airport as areas of strategic importance.
While Russia and Turkey have backed the military government in Niger since the 2023 takeover, the intervention in Algeria reflects growing regional frustration with attempts to destabilize the Sahel. This will further reinforce the position of the AES and pose a serious challenge to France and its remaining allies in the region.
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any destabilization = cia
usual suspects behind all the destabilization in africa because the old colonial pigs have been given their marching orders, the message will be leave or be killed.
legacy colonialism has limits. in the us the dc region prospers on war spending far above what the nation can afford.