Algeria Donates Four Helicopters To Niger

Niger’s military has received four helicopters and other military equipment from Algeria, according to airport and security sources.

The shipment arrived in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, on Sunday and included four attack and transport helicopters, spare parts, maintenance equipment and ammunition, an airport source told AFP.

Niger’s Air Force Chief of Staff, General Salifou Mainassara, formally received the equipment Monday during a ceremony attended by Algerian military officials. The delivery comes as the two neighbouring countries seek to strengthen security cooperation following a diplomatic dispute that strained their relations.

Relations deteriorated after Algeria said it had downed a Malian drone in its territory in April. Niger subsequently joined Mali and Burkina Faso in recalling its ambassador from Algiers.

In February, Niger’s leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers as the two countries sought to restore diplomatic ties. The neighbours agreed the following month to deepen cooperation against terrorism, cross-border crime and trafficking along their 960-kilometre border.

The latest military donation adds to wider cooperation between the countries. Algeria also inaugurated a 40-megawatt power plant in June to supply electricity to Niamey and surrounding areas.

The donation comes as Niger continues to face security threats from armed groups operating in the wider Sahel region. The sources did not provide details on the specific models or number of each type of helicopter delivered.

SOURCE: AFP