Summary:

On 12 February 2026, Algeria and Niger restored their ambassadors to respective posts in a significant step toward resolving the diplomatic tensions caused by the shooting down of a Malian drone by the Algerian army in March 2025. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the immediate return of Algeria’s ambassador to Niamey, following the Nigerien envoy’s resumption of duties in Algiers earlier the same day. 

The restoration comes after a 26 January visit by Algerian Hydrocarbons Minister Mohamed Arkab to Niger, during which he relaunched Sonatrach activities and discussed the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. The previous ambassadorial withdrawals had occurred nearly a year earlier, when Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso recalled their envoys in protest over the drone incident. 

Outlook: 

While this episode highlights Algiers’ intention to reduce diplomatic tensions with neighboring Sahelian countries, it also reflects a broader strategic effort to assert Algeria’s regional and continental leadership position amid shifting alliances and global dynamics between the US, Russia, China, and Europe. 

Heightened security risks along Algeria’s southern borders necessitates closer coordination with Sahel states, while at the same time underscoring Algeria’s need to expand economic partnerships to support stability and development in the face of persistent challenges from migration and internal economic inequalities and frustrations. 

The restoration of ambassadors with its Sahelian neighbors signals a deliberate move by Algiers to re-engage diplomatically on strategically and tactically important relationships that will continue to drive domestic and internal challenges, therefore requiring consistent engagement with regional neighbors. 

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