The EU is ‘concerned’ (and powerless) about Algerians and Russians in Niger

In the end, the European Union also intervened to express its “concern over the deployment of Algerian troops in Niger. “We would like clarification on the legal basis and the objective of this action.” A spokesperson for the European Commission made this statement yesterday, referring to the deployment of armed troops to the Sahel – an exceptional event in Algeria’s history, as until now, for over 50 years, it had never sent its military forces beyond its borders. Since then, from the end of October, a desert region that for years had been a transit point for all manner of trafficking – from arms to migrants – has become one of the most turbulent areas on the continent. The Nigeriens under Abdourahamane Tchiani’s military junta requested military assistance from Algiers the day after an attempted coup. The troops advanced as far as Arlit, secured the infrastructure of the Algerian company Sonatrach and sent 50 lorries loaded with diesel to assist the Nigeriens. Then, on 2 November, the Niamey junta signed a cooperation agreement in Benghazi with Saddam Haftar, leader of Cyrenaica.

A dynamic of alliances and agreements unprecedented in the region’s recent history. Along this 300-kilometre border, the spectre of Russia looms large, as it supports all the parties involved: Algeria, because without its approval the North African country would not have deployed its troops to Niger; Haftar, because he is the Kremlin’s man in the region; and Niamey, where the coup plotters are receiving military support from the Russians themselves.

This region has much to offer Moscow, not least the opportunity to act as a mediator in disputes from which Europe and the United States have long since decided to withdraw. According to Jalel Harchaoui of the Royal United Services Institute in London, at the heart of Brussels’ concerns “is the tendency to believe that Algeria might define its military intervention in a certain way, only to subsequently expand its mandate”. Speaking to Il Foglio, the expert explains that “this would have repercussions on many issues, such as those relating to energy and irregular migration”. Europe remains on high alert, rather than openly condemning the Russians or the Algerians. “I wouldn’t describe the EU’s attitude as hostile; rather, I would say it is sceptical and cautious. Brussels is maintaining a certain distance rather than leaning towards active involvement.” On closer inspection, this is nothing new, because whilst Russia and Algeria are securing their interests in the Sahel – and its energy and mineral wealth – Europe is standing by and watching, in keeping with its recent history in the region.