Algeria courts Niger & Sahel countries to shore up its fading regional influence
The Algerian regime has reached out to Niger’s military rulers to mend broken relationship in a bid to shore up its eroding influence in Africa and counter Morocco’s significant inroads across the Continent, especially in the Sahel.
According to some analysts, Algeria’s U-turn and overture to its southern neighbors are unlikely to succeed because the country has lost its ability to leverage oil for political gains.
In July 2023, Algeria stood against Niger’s junta after the military seized power in the West African country. Tension flared between the two countries, which are still at loggerhead over several sensitive issues.
The new leaders in Niger had rejected an Algerian mediation initiative and summoned Algerian ambassador in Niamey to protest against the arbitrary mass expulsion and “inhumane treatment” of Nigerien migrants by Algerian authorities.
Niger is also member of the newly created alliance gathering Mali and Burkina-Faso. All the three Sahel countries have strained relations with the Algerian regime for meddling with their domestic affairs and serving the agenda of former French colonial power.
All Sahel countries including Niger, Mali, Burkina-Faso and Chad have adhered to the Atlantic initiative announced by King Mohammed VI. The royal initiative, offering Atlantic access to landlocked African countries, has upended geostrategic interests and shaken regional order, confirming the leadership of the North African Kingdom.
To break growing international isolation, the ruling junta in Algeria has opened this week dialogue with Niamey offering numerous economic cooperation projects as well as assistance and investment from Sonatrach to bolster production in Niger’s oil fields.
However, Algerian promises always turn out to be a lot of hot-air. The politically-motivated proposals were made by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during meetings held in Algiers with a high-level Nigerien delegation, including PM Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine and Defense minister General Salifou Modi. The Nigerien delegation was also received by army chief Said Chengriha.
According to intelligence reports, Niger’s Prime minister delivered to Algerian President a letter from Niger’s Head of State Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel countries which are standing united against Algerian military regime.
All Sahel countries decry Algiers ties with Tuareg separatist movements, jihadist groups, and criminal networks threating peace and stability in the region.
Algeria is currently seen as untrustworthy neighbor, a rogue state on the verge of implosion, and an exporter of instability, making all its neighbors and partners very anxious.
