• Niger and Algeria sign deals across energy, health, industry, and trade

• Agreements follow joint commission aimed at strengthening strategic ties

• Move signals renewed cooperation after tensions linked to 2023 coup

Niger and Algeria have signed a series of agreements, memorandums of understanding, and cooperation programs across multiple sectors, following the second session of their joint cooperation commission held on March 23 and 24.

The deals cover a wide range of areas, including energy, health, public works, religious affairs, youth and sports, higher education, scientific research, industry, start-ups, micro-enterprises, the environment, and laboratories. They also extend to oil, communication, and trade, marking a new phase in the strategic partnership between the two countries and translating political commitments into concrete projects.

The joint commission was co-chaired by Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, and his Algerian counterpart, Sifi Ghrieb, who led a large delegation to Niamey. “We have identified concrete ways to implement our decisions and highlighted new areas of mutual interest capable of expanding our multisectoral cooperation,” the Nigerien prime minister said, according to the Niger Press Agency.

The renewed engagement follows a visit in February by Niger’s President, General Abdourahmane Tiani, to Algeria at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation and reinforce neighborly relations in order to better leverage both countries’ capacities.

Niger and Algeria have been gradually rebuilding ties after relations deteriorated following the July 26, 2023 coup in Niger. At the time, Algeria proposed a six-month mediation plan to restore constitutional order.

Tensions were further strained by a migration crisis, when in early April 2024 Niger summoned Algeria’s ambassador to protest what it described as violent expulsions of thousands of migrants along the shared border.

Lydie Mobio