Algeria has markedly stepped up its efforts to rebuild ties with Niger in recent days, revealing the arrival of a high-ranking Nigerien delegation, headed by Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and Defense Minister Salifou Mody. This visit closely follows the recent trip by Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab to Niger, aimed at revitalizing the gas pipeline project.
According to official Algerian media, the Nigerien delegation began a working visit to Algeria on Monday. The Prime Minister of Niger held meetings with his Algerian counterpart and with the Chief of Staff of the Algerian Defense, Said Chengriha. The Nigerien Defense Minister, Salifou Mody, was also present at the meeting.
The discussions reportedly focused on building new relations between the two countries in various sectors, as well as strengthening security and military cooperation to address the challenges posed by ongoing tensions and unrest in several Sahel countries.
International reports indicate that Algeria is keen to accelerate the pace of restoring its good relations with Niger following the diplomatic crisis that arose due to Algeria's rejection of the coup that ousted former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, and the refusal of Niger's new leaders to accept Algeria's mediation after the ousting.
These reports suggest that Algeria's need to mend its relations with Niger has grown significantly in recent times, especially in light of renewed tensions in Libya and strained relations with regional countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso. The sources do not rule out the possibility that the Nigerien delegation's visit to Algeria was requested by Algerian decision-makers, especially as it follows last week's visit of Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab to Niger's capital.
The economic aspect plays a crucial role in Algeria's efforts to strengthen ties with Niger, particularly regarding the gas pipeline project, which is planned to extend from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria. This project competes with a similar Moroccan initiative—the West African Gas Pipeline—starting from Nigeria and passing through 11 other countries before reaching Morocco.
Algeria fears that the Moroccan project might outpace its own, especially as Morocco, Nigeria, and the countries involved have made significant progress, while the Algerian project has faced prolonged delays due to developments in Niger following the coup against President Bazoum.
Furthermore, Algeria's need to find a "friendly neighbor" has become increasingly urgent following its involvement in numerous diplomatic tensions, the most recent being with France over its support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. This, along with security threats along the Libyan border and deteriorating relations with Mali, has heightened Algeria's diplomatic challenges.
