By John Ikani
Algeria, on Monday, announced the suspension of its involvement in mediating the political turmoil in Niger, which ensued after the coup in July.
The country’s foreign affairs ministry stated that statements from the Nigerien authorities had raised “legitimate questions about their real willingness to follow through on their acceptance of Algerian mediation.”
Consequently, Algeria has temporarily halted the mediation process, awaiting a clear commitment from the junta to continue negotiations.
Last month, Niger had embraced Algeria’s offer to facilitate a resolution to its political crisis, with the goal of reinstating constitutional governance.
In August, Algeria had initially proposed a six-month transitional period led by a civilian authority. However, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the junta, who assumed power in July, advocated for a three-year transition period, causing a divergence in perspectives.
Furthermore, Algeria opposed a military resolution to the Niger crisis, particularly in response to the regional bloc Ecowas’ threats of potential military intervention to reinstate democracy.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, also the chairman of the regional bloc, had expressed support for the mediation process.
However, Algeria’s suspension of mediation efforts adds complexity to the ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the political crisis in Niger.
