Algerian mediation in the Niger coup is “welcome” – Nigerian FM

According to Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the regional body ECOWAS prefers diplomacy but will not completely rule out military intervention.

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the foreign minister of Nigeria, has praised an Algerian initiative to peacefully reinstall democracy in neighbouring Niger after President Mohamed Bazoum was recently overthrown by the military in a coup.

In an interview with France 24, Tuggar said, “We welcome all parties seeking to find a peaceful solution to this impasse, including Algeria.” The interview was published on Wednesday. At the moment, Nigeria is in charge of the ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States.

Following Algeria’s announcement earlier this week that Niamey’s new leaders had accepted Algiers’ offer to arbitrate in the nation’s political crisis, the diplomat made his remarks.

Instead of the three-year maximum plan outlined by coup leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the Algerian government has recommended a six-month transition period to put the West African nation back under democratic authority.

After numerous attempts to convince the military rulers to undo the coup failed, ECOWAS threatened to send soldiers to Niger to restore constitutional order. However, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune constantly opposed these threats. The proposed military intervention by the alliance has the support of the French government, which has referred to the coup leaders as “illegitimate authorities.”

Tebboune has already cautioned that employing force to address the Niamey problem may lead to a wider battle throughout the Sahel region, with Mali and Burkina Faso stating that an attack on Niger would be viewed as an act of war against their nations.

Tuggar emphasised on Wednesday that ECOWAS preferred dialogue but added that the possibility of military involvement, “which does not necessarily result in a war, as has been misinterpreted,” was still open.

The Nigerian minister stated, “It is still relevant, but it is also not the preferred option, which is why many diplomatic efforts are still in progress.”

“ECOWAS’ position, however, is unchanged. We oppose the Niger military takeover and demand the release of President Bazoum, who was duly elected to lead the country.