Algeria, Benin discuss ways to contribute to calm in Niger

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Aug 2023 12:07
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The foreign ministers of Algeria and Benin exchange information on efforts to achieve a peaceful solution in Niger and avoid resorting to force.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and his Beninese counterpart Adjadi Bakari Olushegun (Algeria Press Service)

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf discussed with his Beninese counterpart Adjadi Bakari Olushegun the current developments in Niger and ways to contribute to calming the situation and working toward finding a peaceful solution and avoiding resorting to force.

Following the military coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, the Western-sponsored Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened the country's new leaders to launch a military attack to reinstate the ousted President.

The talks took place after Attaf's arrival in the Beninese city of Cotonou as part of his tour of West African countries that began on Wednesday in a bid to find a solution following the coup in neighboring Niger.

The talks aim to preserve the security and stability of Niger, according to what was agreed upon between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Beninese President Patrice Talon during their phone conversation at the beginning of the crisis.

The two foreign ministers affirmed their commitment to the legal standards of the African Union (AU) that aim to address unconstitutional changes in governments put in place during the African Unity Summit in Algiers in 1999.

They also exchanged information on efforts to achieve a peaceful solution in Niger and avoid resorting to force, which threatens to exacerbate challenges facing Niger and the entire region.

A couple of days ago, Attaf underlined that Algeria would not tolerate violations of democracy and the constitutional order in Niger, adding that the repercussions of the crisis in Niger go far beyond the borders of this country.

The top Algerian diplomat also affirmed that his country will spare no effort to activate a peaceful and political solution to the crisis in Niger.

This comes after Algeria also dispatched on Thursday the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lounes Magramane, to Niger, as part of efforts to mediate after the military council dismissed President Mohamed Bazoum.

On Tuesday, Algeria rejected France's request to use its airspace for a military attack on Niger. According to multiple media reports, including Algerian state radio, it was suggested that France was considering a strike against the new military leadership in Niamey if they did not release Bazoum, who has been detained since July 26.

In response to Algeria's refusal, France reportedly sought permission from Morocco to allow its military aircraft to traverse Moroccan airspace. France, which maintains around 1,500 troops in its former colony Niger, has faced accusations from the coup leaders of planning a military attack to reinstate the deposed President.

It is noteworthy that Algeria, which shares a significant 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) land border with Niger, has previously cautioned against resorting to a military solution.

Tebboune had emphasized that such an approach would directly jeopardize his North African nation. He also made it clear that "a solution [in Niger] cannot be achieved without our involvement. We are the ones most directly impacted."

Lieutenant General Said Chengriha, the Algerian Army Chief of Staff, also renewed his country's opposition to a foreign military attack against Niger, warning that it would lead to more instability in the Sahel region.