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The Trans-Saharan pipeline project, meant to connect Nigeria to Algeria via Niger, seems to be threatened with a permanent cancellation, amidst growing political tensions between Algeria and several Sahelian countries, particularly Niger. According to the specialized platform « Taqa, » citing well-informed Algerian sources, Niamey has suspended the launch of the final feasibility studies for the project, jeopardizing an initiative to which Algeria attached great strategic importance.
No official reason has been given, but observers directly link the move to the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Algeria and Niamey. Recently, Niger recalled its ambassador to Algeria in solidarity with Mali after the Algerian military shot down a Malian drone near the border.
In response, Algeria recalled its ambassador from Niamey, following similar actions with Mali and Burkina Faso, further escalating the diplomatic crisis.
Adding to this is Niger’s growing discontent with the mass expulsions of African migrants by Algeria towards Niger’s borders in April. Niger’s public channel « Télé Sahel » denounced this policy, calling it inhumane and contrary to African and international agreements.
This disengagement by Niger is a blow to Algeria, which had been pushing to accelerate its gas project to outpace Morocco, which is also working on an ambitious Atlantic pipeline project with Nigeria, passing through several West African countries and into Europe.
The Moroccan project has strong support through the Atlantic African States Initiative, launched in 2022 by King Mohammed VI, aiming to position Africa as a major player in global trade. This initiative focuses on strengthening partnerships among Atlantic coast countries.
Morocco leverages its modern infrastructure, such as the Tangier Med port and the future Dakhla port, as well as its road network, to position the Atlantic pipeline as a strategic lever for regional and international energy security.
With the suspension of the Algerian project by Niger, the advantage now seems to tilt in Morocco’s favor, consolidating its position as a reliable partner for transporting African gas to Europe amid major geopolitical shifts on the continent.
The Editorial Team
Political Crisis: The Pipeline Project Between Algeria and Nigeria via Niger in Jeopardy
