Algeria announced that it was suspending its mediation, intended to put an end to the crisis that has shaken Niger since the takeover by the military.
In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Algerian government decided to postpone the initiation of the planned preparatory discussions until it obtained the clarifications that it considered necessary regarding the implementation of Algerian mediation in Niger.
On September 27, 2023, through an official letter, the Nigerien authorities informed the Algerian government of their acceptance of Algerian mediation in the political, institutional and constitutional crisis that Niger is facing.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune then instructed the head of diplomacy, Ahmed Attaf, to go to Niger’s capital, Niamey, to begin preparatory discussions.
However, the press release added that the exchanges between the two chancelleries on the program and the content of the visit were not conclusive.
Algeria also deplores that the official and public declarations from Nigerien authorities have raised legitimate questions as to their real willingness to follow up on their acceptance of Algerian mediation.
The Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, then declared that he had learned of the acceptance of this mediation on social networks, half-heartedly accusing Algeria of manipulation.
Algiers had proposed political discussions at the end of August for a maximum of six months with the participation and approval of all parties in Niger without exclusion under the supervision of a civil authority in order to lead to the reestablishment of constitutional order in the country.
On July 26, 2023, a coup de tat occurred in Niger when the country’s presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum and presidential guard commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta, shortly after confirming the coup as a success.
