A telephone conversation between the presidents of Niger and Algeria took place against a backdrop of strengthened security cooperation between the two countries, marked by the recent
deployment of Algerian fighter jets to Niamey.
The Nigerien president, General Abdourahamane Tiani, earlier this week praised the support of his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the day after the deployment to Niamey of four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets as part of a mission to support the Nigerien Armed Forces in the aftermath of a foiled armed insurrection.
During a telephone conversation with the Algerian president, Mr. Tiani thanked his counterpart for “his firm support and active solidarity” following the events that occurred on the night of August 28-29 in the Nigerien capital.
The Nigerien leader also welcomed Algiers’ decision to commit the Algerian People’s National Army to support Niger, at the request of the Niamey authorities.
Four Su-30 fighter jets were deployed on Sunday to Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, accompanied by an Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft and an Il-78 tanker aircraft.
The deployment, presented by Nigerien authorities as a “support mission” for the Nigerien Armed Forces, came the day after an attempted mutiny that targeted several sensitive sites in the capital,
including Air Base 101.
Mr. Tiani also welcomed Algeria’s condemnation of “interference by foreign powers” in Niger’s internal affairs. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Tebboune for his opposition to any “attempt to
destabilise” Niger and, more broadly, the countries of the Sahel region.
The two leaders also reviewed several current issues and matters of common interest and expressed their satisfaction with the convergence of their positions and the excellent relations based on fraternity, friendship, and cooperation between their two countries.
The President of Niger concluded by thanking his Algerian counterpart for respecting Niger’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as for his involvement in projects of common interest.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA