Perhaps, all the Niger Junta needed was a peaceful conversation, not threats, as suggested by ECOWAS. In a surprising turn of events, Niger has embraced Algeria’s offer to mediate in its political turmoil. This comes five weeks after Algeria proposed a six-month transition led by civilians to resolve the crisis.
Algeria confirmed Niger’s official acceptance of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s mediation initiative. The Algerian foreign ministry made this announcement in a statement broadcasted on national television.
Remarkably, Niger’s ruling junta remained silent on this development. Algeria has consistently cautioned against a military response to Niger’s crisis, where the presidential guard took control and established a junta in July, advocating instead for a three-year transition.
Back in late August, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf revealed that Algeria had engaged in multiple conversations with Niger’s military leaders and had put forth a proposal to restore constitutional order. They pledged to offer guarantees to all sides in the crisis and host a conference on Sahel region development, though details were scarce.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who chairs the West African bloc ECOWAS, expressed his intent to reestablish constitutional order and address Niger’s political and economic issues. He welcomed support for this process.
In retrospect, ECOWAS’s approach seemed hasty, resorting to threats against Niger. Algeria, on the other hand, played a more significant role in the mediation efforts, earning recognition for its leadership in this delicate situation.
