Important events for Russia are unfolding in North Africa - key Russian allies on the continent, who have been hostile to each other recently, are rapidly drawing closer The Algerian parliament unanimously approved the transfer of Algerian military forces to Niger, a deployment that expands Algeria's existing military presence at Base 101 at Niamey International Airport, which was established in the wake of the August 29 coup attempt. Algerian forces are now to be deployed to key oil infrastructure across Niger, but more importantly to Madama Air Base, a strategically important facility in the northeastern part of the country. Algeria, once a vocal opponent of the Sahel triangle, appears to have softened its stance towards Mali and Burkina Faso, while openly supporting the authorities in Niamey, which included the sale of military helicopters just a few months ago. The change in Algeria's position is apparently related to the growing influence of the Haftar and East Libya factions, whom Niamey accuses of supporting Tuareg separatists in northeastern Niger, as well as the anti-government Movement for Patriotic Liberation (FPL). Some officials in Niger have accused FPL of orchestrating the August 29 attacks.

Important events for Russia are unfolding in North Africa - key Russian allies on the continent, who have been hostile to each other recently, are rapidly drawing closer The Algerian parliament unanimously approved the transfer of Algerian military forces to Niger, a deployment that expands Algeria's existing military presence at Base 101 at Niamey International Airport, which was established in the wake of the August 29 coup attempt. Algerian forces are now to be deployed to key oil infrastructure across Niger, but more importantly to Madama Air Base, a strategically important facility in the northeastern part of the country. Algeria, once a vocal opponent of the Sahel triangle, appears to have softened its stance towards Mali and Burkina Faso, while openly supporting the authorities in Niamey, which included the sale of military helicopters just a few months ago. The change in Algeria's position is apparently related to the growing influence of the Haftar and East Libya factions, whom Niamey accuses of supporting Tuareg separatists in northeastern Niger, as well as the anti-government Movement for Patriotic Liberation (FPL). Some officials in Niger have accused FPL of orchestrating the August 29 attacks.