The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the European Union delegation to Niger, Olai Voima, was summoned on Monday, November 9, 2026, to the office of Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine.
This follows statements made by EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni regarding the deployment of Algerian military units in Niger.
On October 30, the European spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, indicated that Brussels was closely monitoring the situation and sought clarification regarding the scope, objectives, and legal basis for this deployment, which took place under a military memorandum of understanding between Algiers and Niamey.
These remarks drew a response from the Algerian side. On November 8, authorised sources – cited by the official news agency APS – stated that no formal request for clarification, diplomatic inquiry, or any other communication of this nature had been addressed to the Algerian authorities.
In its response on Monday, the government of Niger denounced the remarks as “condescending and unacceptable,” asserting that the European Union was interfering in the internal affairs of two
sovereign states that had freely chosen to strengthen their cooperation.
Niamey emphasised that the agreements reached with Algeria are intended to consolidate peace, security, stability, and development for both nations and their respective sub-regions.
“Niger does not accept directives from any country or institution,” the government insisted, demanding that Brussels provide clarification regarding what it views as repeated acts of interference.
The rapprochement between Niamey and Algiers has accelerated following a period of diplomatic tension, which was triggered in April 2025 when the Algerian military destroyed a Malian drone.
The crisis had led to the reciprocal recall of ambassadors between Algeria and several countries within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), including Niger.
The normalisation of relations was notably marked in February 2026 by a visit to Algiers by the Nigerien president, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who met with his counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to reviving cooperation in the economic, energy, and security sectors.
In October 2026, this momentum continued with the signing of a military cooperation protocol and Algeria’s decision to authorise the deployment of its army units to Niger, under the terms of bilateral agreements concluded between the two nations.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA