On Monday, the Algerian government decided to postpone the commencement of preparatory consultations, which were scheduled to take place in the midst of the crisis facing Niger, pending the clarification it deems necessary regarding the activation of Algerian mediation.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerien authorities informed the Algerian government of their acceptance of Algerian mediation in the political, institutional, and constitutional crisis facing Niger. Upon receiving this message, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune tasked the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, with traveling to Niamey as soon as possible to initiate preparatory consultations with the Nigerien authorities for Algerian mediation.
Since that date, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad has been in direct contact with his Nigerien counterparts, and the Algerian Embassy in Niamey has engaged with the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the program and content of this visit. However, the statement noted that these communications did not yield the expected results regarding these two issues.
The official and public statements issued by the Nigerien authorities have raised legitimate questions about their genuine readiness to implement Algerian mediation.
Furthermore, the Algerian government decided to “postpone the commencement of preparatory consultations, which were scheduled to take place, pending the clarification it deems necessary regarding the activation of Algerian mediation.”
This decision underscores the importance of obtaining clarity and commitment from Niger before proceeding with Algerian mediation efforts. The situation in Niger remains a matter of concern, and the Algerian government is keen on ensuring that its mediation efforts are conducted effectively and with the full cooperation of all parties involved.
