Algeria’s recent mediation efforts with the military in Niger have garnered a positive response from Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In an interview with France 24, Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for all parties working towards a peaceful resolution in Niger, including Algeria.
Nigeria, currently holding the rotating presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has consistently favored diplomatic solutions. However, ECOWAS maintains its stance of potential military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Minister Tuggar reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to opposing the military takeover in Niger and emphasized the importance of releasing President Bazoum, who was duly elected.
While military intervention is not ruled out, Minister Tuggar stressed that it’s not the preferred option. Diplomatic efforts are actively underway to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Since July 30, ECOWAS has been threatening potential military intervention to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. Algeria, sharing significant borders with Niger, has strongly opposed armed intervention and offered mediation with the military in Niamey to promote a political solution.
Niamey accepted Algeria’s mediation offer, with the caveat that the transition to a civilian regime would be determined through an inclusive national forum. The specific terms of this offer remain undisclosed.
ECOWAS has refrained from commenting on the possibility of a transitional period during which the military would remain in power before returning governance to civilians.
It’s important to note that Niger is currently under heavy sanctions, particularly economic ones, imposed by ECOWAS. The organization suspended Niamey from its governing bodies, along with Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, all of which have experienced coup-led regimes.
