The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Niger has denied the assertion made by their Algerian counterparts that Niger has accepted Algeria's initiative to resolve the crisis.
"Prior to receiving any official conclusions from the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was taken aback to discover a statement from the Algerian government circulating on social media and certain news outlets, asserting that Niger had purportedly 'accepted Algeria's mediation, which proposed a six-month transition period for the military,'" - stated the ministry in a release published by Agence Nigérienne de Presse. - "In light of the above, the Republic of Niger's Government rejects these assertions."
The statement also underscored Niger's commitment to maintaining "friendly and fraternal ties with Algeria."
On Monday, the Algerian Foreign Ministry's social media page on X (formerly Twitter) issued a statement claiming that Niger had officially accepted Algeria's initiative to restore constitutional order in the country.
On July 26, a faction of military officers from Niger's presidential guard staged a mutiny, announcing the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office. This led to the formation of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, with Guard Commander Abdourahamane Tchiani at its helm to govern the country. On August 10, Tchiani signed a decree to establish a transitional government, as reported by the Actu Niger portal.
On August 29, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf unveiled a plan to address the crisis in Niger through political means. He proposed the implementation of a "six-month transitional period overseen by a civilian authority led by a mutually agreed-upon figure." This transitional phase was intended to facilitate the development of political arrangements involving all parties in Niger, without exception. The minister also suggested convening an international conference focused on development, stability, and security in the Sahel region.
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Based on materials from TASS