Algeria Announces Launch of Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Across Niger

Government-critical narrative

Algeria’s recent moves in the Sahel show it can't be taken at face value, despite its diplomatic posture on security and energy cooperation. What is framed as coordination increasingly looks like leverage over Niger's gas infrastructure and political alignment. Pressure along Niger's borders suggests instability is being instrumentalized to revive a disputed pipeline deal. With the Islamic State group's airport strike destroying military aircraft, external pressure and jihadist violence are converging — and Niger's sovereignty is under strain.