Niger has summoned the European Union’s acting chargé d’affaires, Olai Voïma, following remarks by the bloc questioning the deployment of Algerian military units in the country.
The move followed comments by EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni on October 30, when he said Brussels wanted clarification on the deployment’s objectives, scope and legal basis. The deployment was agreed under a military cooperation framework between Niger and Algeria.
Niger condemned the EU remarks as “condescending and unacceptable”, accusing Brussels of interfering in the affairs of two sovereign states. Niamey said its cooperation with Algeria was aimed at strengthening security, stability and development in both countries and the wider region.
The dispute also drew a response from Algiers. Sources quoted by Algeria’s state news agency APS said the country had received no formal request from the EU for clarification on the military deployment.
The controversy comes as Niger and Algeria rebuild relations following diplomatic tensions in 2025. Their rapprochement gained momentum after President Abdourahamane Tiani’s visit to Algiers in February 2026 and continued with a military cooperation protocol signed in October, providing for the deployment of Algerian military units in Niger.
