Algeria Suspends Mediation Over Niger Coup Crisis

Algeria has announced it has suspended its efforts to mediate the political crisis in Niger following the coup in July.

Its foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Monday that declarations from the Nigerien authorities had raised “legitimate questions about their real willingness to follow through on their acceptance of Algerian mediation”.

It has now put the process on hold pending a commitment from the junta to continue with mediation.

Last month, Niger accepted Algeria’s offer to mediate in its political crisis aimed at returning the country to constitutional rule.

In August, Algeria had proposed a six-month transition period led by a civilian authority.

But the head of the junta, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, who seized power in July, wanted a three-year transition period.

Algeria had also objected to a military solution to the crisis in Niger following threats by the regional bloc Ecowas of a possible military intervention to restore democracy.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is also the chairman of the regional bloc, had welcomed the mediation process, but this latest development will further frustrate efforts to resolve the political crisis in Niger.

BBC/Jide Johnson.