Algeria’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, has put forth a proposal for a six-month transitional plan for Niger, countering the coup leader’s call for a longer period of transition to democracy. The proposal comes in the midst of growing concerns over the political situation in Niger and the potential for military intervention.
After a recent tour to Niger’s neighboring countries within the West African bloc ECOWAS, Attaf outlined his suggested framework for a transitional phase in Niger. The West African bloc has indicated its willingness to deploy a military force if the new military regime in Niger does not take steps to restore democratic governance.
Attaf reiterated Algeria’s stance against military intervention in Niger and emphasized that Algeria would not permit its airspace to be used for such purposes.
The Algerian foreign minister’s proposal includes a six-month transitional period, during which Niger would work towards reinstating “the constitutional and democratic order” that was disrupted by the coup. This stands in contrast to the coup leader’s proposal of a transitional period lasting up to three years.
Attaf expressed the urgency of a quicker transition to prevent the coup from solidifying as an irreversible fact. The suggested transitional plan aims to involve all relevant parties within Niger and establish political arrangements that are acceptable to all stakeholders within the proposed six-month timeframe.
Algeria’s proposal reflects its commitment to stability in the region and its desire to see a swift return to democratic governance in Niger.