Algeria proposes 6-month transition period to solve Niger crisis

ANKARA (AA) – Algeria has proposed a six-month transitional period led by a civilian to solve the crisis in neighboring Niger.

Niger was plunged into turmoil on July 26 when General Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, led a military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum was elected in 2021 in Niger’s first democratic power transition since it gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.

“Algeria proposes a new initiative that includes a transitional period of six months to resolve the Niger crisis,” Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf told a press conference in Algiers.

The top diplomat said the transitional period would be led by a civilian.

“Most of the countries we spoke to oppose military intervention in Niger to end the crisis,” he added.

Algeria has campaigned against any military action in the West African country.

Bazoum had lost popularity in his home country while being propped up by powerful Western allies including France. He was accused of corruption and failure to provide security while serving the interests of his French and Western supporters.

Attaf visited Nigeria, Ghana and Benin, members of the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS), last week to discuss a peaceful solution to the conflict in Niger.

The bloc ordered the activation of its standby force on August 10 to restore constitutional order in Niger.