What You Need to Know
On February 16, Niger’s military leader, General Abdel Rahmane Tiani, concluded a two-day official visit to Algeria, invited by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This visit marks a significant turning point in diplomatic relations between Niger and Algeria, following months of tension stemming from a military incident in April 2025.
Africa-Press. On February 16, the military leader of Niger, General Abdel Rahmane Tiani, concluded a two-day official visit to Algeria, invited by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
General Tiani, head of the National Committee for the Protection of the Homeland, led a large ministerial delegation on a visit that marks a pivotal moment in ending a diplomatic crisis that has lasted several months between Niamey and Algeria.
The roots of the tension date back to April 2025, when the Algerian military shot down a drone belonging to Mali, prompting the three Sahel countries—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—to withdraw their ambassadors from Algeria, which reciprocated with a similar move.
While relations between Algeria and Bamako remain notably tense, the relationship between Algeria and Niamey has seen a clear improvement in recent weeks, culminating in the resumption of the two countries’ ambassadors’ duties last week.
In statements made by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the visit, he affirmed that “the relationship between these two neighboring brotherly countries will be a model to follow in Africa.” The handshakes and smiles exchanged between Tebboune and Tiani over the two days reflected a warmth and closeness after months of diplomatic chill.
The Algerian president welcomed his Nigerien guest at the presidential palace, where the two sides held a bilateral meeting, followed by an expanded meeting with delegations from both countries.
Accompanying Tiani, who appeared in civilian clothing, were about ten ministers, marking his second trip outside the Sahel region since assuming power.
According to a local source, the visit represents the end of an “exceptional phase” in bilateral relations, referring to the crisis that erupted last April.
The two sides discussed multiple files during their talks, including counter-terrorism, security cooperation, and coordination in the fields of energy and military, university, and vocational training.
The Algerian presidency also announced that the long-suspended trans-Saharan gas pipeline project will be launched on Nigerien territory after Ramadan. It clarified that the Algerian company Sonatrach will directly oversee the commencement of the pipeline installation that will cross Niger towards Algeria.
Tensions between Algeria and Niger have roots in an incident from April 2025, when the Algerian military shot down a drone from Mali. This led to a diplomatic rift, with the three Sahel countries—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—recalling their ambassadors from Algeria. However, recent weeks have seen a thaw in relations, culminating in the resumption of ambassadorial duties.
During Tiani’s visit, discussions focused on various issues, including counter-terrorism, security cooperation, and energy coordination. The Algerian presidency announced plans to launch a long-awaited gas pipeline project through Niger, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations after a period of diplomatic strain.
