NIGER’S military authorities have firmly denied accepting a six-month transition period proposed by Algeria, as clarified by the Nigerien Foreign Ministry. The ministry’s statement, read on state television, expressed surprise at Algeria’s claims regarding Niger’s stance on the proposed mediation.
‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad was surprised to read on social networks and in certain media a communiqué from the Algerian government stating that Niger had accepted Algeria’s mediation, which proposed a six-month transition to the military,’ the statement declared.
Furthermore, Niger emphasised that the actual duration of the transition would be determined through a ‘national forum.’
This development comes two days after the Algerian government claimed to have received notification from the Nigerien Foreign Ministry, confirming acceptance of mediation efforts aimed at facilitating a political solution to the crisis in Niger. The mediation was presented within the framework of a settlement plan by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, as reported by the Algeria Press Service (APS) agency, citing the Algerian foreign minister.
Since assuming power following the military junta’s overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in July, the Conseil National for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), a unified group of soldiers, has consistently cautioned foreign powers and the international community against interfering in Niger’s sovereignty.
Geopolitics observer Regis Hounkpe, hailing from Benin and serving as the Executive Director of Interglobe Conseils, an international company specialising in international cooperation, political communication, and geopolitics, expressed scepticism about Algeria’s mediation attempt.
‘Clearly, this Algerian attempt at mediation will produce nothing, being contested on both sides and above all unsolicited,’ Hounkpe remarked.
Advocating for ‘African solutions for African crises,’ Hounkpe acknowledged the potential substance in Algeria’s proposal but stressed that successful mediation necessitates acceptance by all involved parties, including the de facto authorities, Bazoum’s supporters, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc, and possibly the African Union.
Hounkpe believes that the proposed national forum could be a promising starting point, particularly considering Niger’s recent political fragmentation, which emerged following the military coup. He emphasised that this situation did not exist under President Bazoum, and the coup-induced divisions pose risks of security, political, and territorial instability.
The international community continues to call for the release of President Bazoum, who remains in captivity following the coup. Despite mediation efforts by ECOWAS, his release remains unattained.
Political analyst Gilles Yabi, President of the West African citizen think tank, Wathi, viewed Algeria’s medi
ation offer positively, even if the suggested transition period has not been accepted. Regarding the national forum, Yabi maintained that the junta’s reasons for seizing power remain unconvincing and not rooted in democratic concerns.
Yabi stressed the urgency of resolving the two-month-long impasse, securing President Bazoum’s release, achi
eving a short transition accepted by all parties, and addressing the security challenges posed by terrorism in the country.
