Algeria has joined the Alliance of Sahel States in their fight against terrorism. The Algerian government has delivered four helicopters to the military of Niger, which, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, is a member of the Alliance of Sahel States. The helicopters are Russian built and include two Mi-24 SuperHind Mk.III attack aircraft and two Mi-171 transport aircraft. The delivery of the helicopters and ammunition are a powerful addition to Niger’s ability to combat the militants of Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam Wal Muslimeen and the Islamic State in the Sahel.
The move follows several powerful economic initiatives Algeria has made towards Niger, including finishing the construction of the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, the gifting of a 40 megawatt power station as well as building the Trans-Saharan Railway from Algiers to the Niger border. Now, in addition to the economic resources of Algeria, which is among the four most developed countries in Africa, Niger is benefitting from its neighbor’s military resources in its fight against foreign backed terrorists.
The move also parallels the deployment of the Russian Africa Corps, which is supporting Mali’s fight against the same terrorist groups.
Algerian relations are also improving with Mali after almost a year of broken diplomatic ties over accusations by Mali that Algeria shot down one of its drones. The day before the delivery of the helicopters to Niger, the Malian Prime Minister announced the normalization of relations with Algeria.
