APA – Niamey (Niger) In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday 19 August, the Algerian government set out its position which rues the planned use of force envisaged by West African regional leaders to restore constitutional order in Niger.
“At a time when military intervention in Niger is taking shape, Algeria deeply regrets that recourse to violence has taken precedence over the path of a negotiated political solution peacefully re-establishing constitutional and democratic order in this brotherly and neighbouring country,” stated the statement, which was issued the day after the end of the planning meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of ECOWAS member countries, held on 17 and 18 August in Accra, Ghana.
Algiers reiterated its strong conviction that “this negotiated political solution is still possible, that not all the paths that could lead to it have been taken and that not all these possibilities have been exhausted.”
“The history of our region teaches us abundantly that military intervention has led to more problems than solutions, and that it has been an additional factor in confrontations and divisions rather than a source of stability and security” the statement said.
“Before the irreparable is committed, and before the region is caught up in a spiral of violence whose incalculable consequences no one can predict, Algeria calls on all parties to show restraint, to restraint, wisdom and reason, all of which require resolutely giving the highest priority to the negotiated political option in the current constitutional crisis, thus sparing brotherly Niger and the whole region a future fraught with threats and perils, including a resurgence of terrorism and other forms of crime that are seriously affecting the region,” the statement concluded.
Clear-cut rejection of military intervention in Niger
In the aftermath of the events of 26 July 2023, when the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) seized power, Algeria reiterated its “deep attachment to the return of constitutional order in Niger” and “its support for Mr. Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate President.”
Following the decision by ECOWAS heads of state to use force to restore constitutional order, the Algerian government warned against any intention of foreign military intervention.
“Algeria reiterates its deep attachment to the return of constitutional order in Niger and respect for the rule of law. In this spirit, the Algerian government reaffirms its support for Mr Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate President of the Republic of Niger,” stated the government in a press release issued by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which also emphasised that “the return to constitutional order must imperatively be achieved by peaceful means, which will avoid further insecurity and instability for brotherly Niger and the region as a whole, and further adversity and hardship for our peoples.”
Consequently, it added: “Algeria warns and calls for prudence and restraint in the face of plans for foreign military intervention which, unfortunately, are considered as possible and usable options, whereas they are merely factors in complicating and aggravating the current crisis.”
In a televised interview broadcast on 3 August, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was very firm on the issue, expressing “his total and categorical rejection of any military intervention.”
For Algeria, any military intervention in Niger would constitute “a direct threat” to their country.
During a two-day meeting in Accra, the ECOWAS chiefs of staff finalised the plan for military intervention, which should be validated by the West African leaders.
The use of force is becoming clearer, especially as the regional bloc’s mediation mission sent to Niamey on Saturday 19 August appears to have failed.
In a speech delivered on Saturday evening, General Abdourahamane Tiani warned Ecowas against any act of aggression against his country, which, according to him, would not be a walk in the park.
The head of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland invited stakeholders to dialogue and announced a transition that should not exceed three years.
AYB/ac/fss/as/APA