Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune revealed that his country deployed fighter jets to Niger in late August in response to a coup attempt in the capital city of Niamey. This information was shared in an interview with local media outlets, which was broadcast by the Algerian presidency on Saturday evening. The full interview is set to air on Saturday night.
According to President Tebboune, the decision to send fighter jets was made after certain parties "went too far." He mentioned that Niger's Prime Minister, Mohamed Aminou Zien, was on a visit to Algeria and returned to Niger at night, only to face a coup attempt shortly after. Tebboune emphasized that this situation was a provocation to Algeria and warranted a strong response.
On August 30, the Algerian Ministry of Defense announced that four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets were dispatched to Niamey to support the Nigerien army following the developments in the country. The move was aimed at bolstering the military capabilities of Niger in the face of the coup attempt.
Niger's Defense Minister, Salifou Modi, had earlier reported that a group of military personnel attempted to detain some of their colleagues within the 101st Air Base in Niamey on August 28-29. The would-be coup plotters also fired on strategic locations in the capital. Fortunately, security forces intervened, contained the situation, and gradually regained control of the targeted sites.
Algeria and Niger share a long land border and have a close military and security relationship. Algeria considers stability in the Sahel region essential to its national security. This cooperation was highlighted during Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Aminou Zien's visit to Algeria on August 26-27, where he led a high-level delegation to strengthen ties between the two nations.
President Tebboune did not specify which parties he held responsible for the coup attempt or whether they were internal or external actors. His comments underscore the complex security dynamics in the Sahel region and Algeria's proactive stance in maintaining stability in its neighborhood.
The Algerian presidency released excerpts of the interview, highlighting the country's proactive measures in response to security challenges in the region. Algeria's engagement in Niger demonstrates its commitment to regional stability and cooperation with neighboring countries.
Key points
- Algeria deployed fighter jets to Niger in response to a coup attempt in late August.
- The move was part of Algeria's efforts to maintain regional stability and security.
- Algeria and Niger have a close military and security relationship, with a shared border and cooperation on defense issues.
