The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has welcomed Algerian mediation efforts aimed at the peaceful restoration of democratic rule in neighboring Niger, where the military recently overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup.
“We welcome all parties seeking a peaceful solution to this chaos, including Algeria,” Tuggar stated in an interview with France 24 published on Wednesday. Nigeria currently holds the rotating presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The diplomat’s comments came after Algeria announced earlier this week that the new rulers of Niamey had accepted Algiers’ offer to mediate in the country’s political crisis.
The Algerian government has proposed a six-month transition period instead of the three-year maximum plan announced by coup leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani to restore civilian rule in the West African country.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has repeatedly resisted ECOWAS threats to send troops to restore constitutional order in Niger, following several unsuccessful attempts to convince the military rulers to reverse the coup. The French government has supported the bloc’s planned military intervention and labeled the coup leaders as “illegitimate authorities.”
Tebboune has previously warned that the use of military force in response to the Niamey crisis could trigger a broader conflict across the entire Sahel region, with Mali and Burkina Faso suggesting that an attack on Niger would be considered an act of war against their countries.
On Wednesday, Tuggar reiterated ECOWAS’ preference for diplomacy but also mentioned the option of military intervention, clarifying that it does not necessarily lead to war, as has been misconstrued.
“It remains relevant, but it is also not the preferred option, which is why many diplomatic efforts are still underway,” the Nigerian Minister said.
