The Algerian authorities have opted to postpone their mediation efforts in resolving the situation in Niger, following the military's assumption of power, pending further clarification of Niger's stance. This decision was announced by Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The Algerian government has chosen to postpone the scheduled discussions until it has obtained the requisite clarifications concerning Algeria's role in mediating with Niger," the ministry stated in a release.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry highlighted that on September 27, Niger informed the Algerian authorities of its willingness to engage in Algerian mediation to address the political, institutional, and constitutional crisis within the nation. Subsequently, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune instructed the Algerian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, to promptly visit Niger's capital, Niamey, and commence preliminary discussions. However, the two parties did not reach a definitive agreement regarding the visit's program and content.
The ministry also noted that official public statements from Niger's military authorities have cast doubt on their genuine commitment to follow through on their acceptance of Algerian mediation.
In early October, Algerian foreign ministry's social media accounts asserted that Niger had officially endorsed Algeria's proposal to restore constitutional order in the country. This statement was subsequently refuted by Niger's Foreign Ministry.
On August 29, Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf presented a plan aimed at resolving Niger's crisis through diplomatic means. The plan advocated for the establishment of a six-month transitional period overseen by a civilian authority led by an agreed-upon figure. This transitional period would facilitate negotiations involving all political factions in Niger. Additionally, Attaf proposed an international conference addressing development, stability, and security in the Sahel region.
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Based on materials from TASS