Ouagadougou:The government of Niger has expressed strong disapproval of what it describes as interference by the European Union (EU) in its internal affairs. This reaction comes in response to recent statements by Anouar El Anouni, the spokesperson for the European Commission, questioning the legal basis of economic and security agreements between Niger and Algeria, which include the deployment of Algerian troops to Niger.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the acting chargé d'affaires of the EU delegation to Niger, Olaï Voionmaa, was summoned to meet with Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine. This meeting followed a televised statement from the Nigerien government on November 9, 2026, where it reiterated its objection to the EU's persistent involvement in the sovereign decisions of states like Niger.

The Nigerien government questioned the EU's authority to demand explanations regarding the agreements made between Niger and Algeria. It emphasized that Niger, not being a member of the European Union, does not require permission from Brussels to exercise its sovereignty. The government insisted that it does not take orders from any external entity.

The statement also criticized the EU's inconsistency, highlighting the contrast between its declared respect for Sahelian realities and its actions regarding Niger's sovereign decisions. Niger demands clarification on what it perceives as repeated and offensive interference by the EU.

The context of this dispute includes the Algerian Parliament's approval on October 25, 2026, of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's decision to send military units to Niger. This move was requested by Nigerien authorities to protect shared energy and economic interests of the two nations.