Algeria's approach to security in the Sahel region prioritizes development over military intervention, a stance that has garnered attention from neighboring countries. The country's strategy seeks to address the root causes of instability, rather than solely relying on military operations. This approach is in response to the limitations of previous military interventions, including France's Operation Serval and Operation Barkhane, which have not brought lasting stability to the region.
The Sahel region has been plagued by violence, with over 10,000 people killed in jihadist attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger since 2025, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). The region has also experienced a surge in military interventions, including the deployment of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group. However, these efforts have not yielded the desired results, and the region remains volatile.
Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has emphasized the importance of development in achieving security in the Sahel region. During a meeting with the press on October 3, 2026, he stated that his country's approach prioritizes development and cooperation with neighboring countries. This approach has led to increased cooperation with countries such as Mali and Niger, including the signing of agreements on energy and infrastructure projects.
One of the key projects is the construction of a gas pipeline that will transport Nigerian gas through the Sahel region to Algeria and then to Europe. The project, which has a estimated cost of $13 billion, will not only provide economic benefits to the countries involved but also help to stabilize the region. The pipeline is expected to be completed by 2028 and will have a capacity to transport 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
Algeria's development-focused approach has also led to increased cooperation with other countries in the region. In February 2026, the country's energy minister, Mohamed Arkab, visited Niger and Burkina Faso to discuss cooperation on energy projects. These efforts have resulted in the signing of agreements on projects worth millions of dollars, including a program to update energy and mining infrastructure in Burkina Faso.
The Algerian government's efforts to prioritize development in the Sahel region have been welcomed by neighboring countries. The country's approach is seen as a more sustainable solution to the region's security challenges, as it addresses the root causes of instability. By prioritizing development and cooperation, Algeria aims to create a more stable and prosperous region.
The success of Algeria's approach will depend on its ability to implement its projects and agreements with neighboring countries. The country's government has emphasized its commitment to development and cooperation, and it has taken concrete steps to prioritize these areas. As the Sahel region continues to face significant security challenges, Algeria's development-focused approach offers a promising alternative to military solutions.
Key points
- Algeria's development-focused approach prioritizes economic growth and cooperation over military intervention in the Sahel region.
- The country's strategy aims to address the root causes of instability in the region, rather than solely relying on military operations.
- Algeria's approach has led to increased cooperation with neighboring countries, including the signing of agreements on energy and infrastructure projects.
