Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Niger's Defense Minister General Salifou Modi, leading a Nigerien delegation, in a move that continues the exchange of visits between the two countries since they mended their bilateral relations a few months ago. The Algerian presidency did not provide details on the discussions between Tebboune and Modi but stated that the meeting took place in the presence of the Algerian Chief of Staff and ministers of interior and foreign affairs.
Before meeting with President Tebboune, General Modi held talks with Algerian Chief of Staff General Saïd Chanegriha. Chanegriha emphasized that relations between Algeria and Niger are based on good neighborliness and have been strengthened through significant milestones in the history of the two countries. He highlighted that Modi's visit reflects the shared will of the two countries' leaders to enhance cooperation, particularly in defense and security.
General Modi expressed Niger's desire to strengthen military cooperation with Algeria, praising the level of multidimensional coordination between the two sides. This visit coincides with the participation of Algerian experts in an investigation launched by Nigerien authorities to determine the causes of a massive oil and gas flow in a well in eastern Niger, resulting in a severe environmental disaster.
The visit also comes after Algeria sent Su-30 fighter jets to Niamey in late August to support the Nigerien army at its request to counter a coup attempt. Relations between Algeria and Niger soured in April 2025 following the downing of a Malian military plane by Algeria as part of the three-country Sahel alliance, which includes Burkina Faso and Mali.
The two countries have since overcome this tension, with Nigerien Transitional President General Abdourahamane Tiani visiting Algeria in February at the invitation of President Tebboune. This recent meeting between Tebboune and Modi demonstrates the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Algeria and Niger have been working to enhance their cooperation in various fields, including defense and security. The two countries share a common border and have a long history of collaboration. The visit by General Modi is seen as a significant step in reinforcing their bilateral relations.
The talks between the two countries' officials are expected to further solidify their cooperation and address regional security concerns. The meeting also underscores the importance of the Sahel region's stability and the role that Algeria and Niger can play in achieving this goal.
Key points
- Algeria and Niger are strengthening their defense and security cooperation.
- The visit by Niger's Defense Minister General Salifou Modi reflects the shared will of the two countries' leaders to enhance bilateral relations.
- Algeria sent Su-30 fighter jets to Niger in late August to support its army.
