Algerian FM: Niger crisis should be solved peacefully
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Algerian FM warns of the destructive aftermath of military intervention citing the unfortunate outcomes of military interventions in the region.
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Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Algiers, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 (AP)
During a press conference in Ankara with the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Algeria's Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Niger, Sputnik reported.
Minister Attaf stressed the need for a peaceful approach to resolving the crisis, cautioning against the potential consequences of military intervention.
"Intervening countries withdraw and leave behind grief and ruin. We believe that the crisis in Niger must be resolved peacefully," Attaf said, citing the unfortunate outcomes of military interventions in the region and underscoring the destructive aftermath they often leave in their wake.
The Algerian minister also pointed out the precarious state of affairs in the broader central African region, extending from the Red Sea to the Atlantic coast: describing it as a "burning belt" due to the ongoing instability in several countries. He added that this region is home to some of the world's poorest nations, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the challenges they face.
On his part, the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed Ankara's vigilance regarding the developments in Niger. He acknowledged the importance of monitoring the situation closely and working towards a peaceful resolution in alignment with Algeria's call.
Read more: Niger recalls all ambassadors, starts reforms to West-built structure
It was reported earlier this week that Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) has accused the President of Niger's ex-colonizer Emmanuel Macron of pressuring the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to invade Niger.
The CNSP argues that Macron's remarks unfairly compare African leaders to "children" and overlook the unique national circumstances, portraying a regional coup threat as a psychosis. They claim that Macron's intention is to intimidate these leaders and manipulate them into joining a neo-colonialist agenda to invade Niger, characterizing it as interference in Niger's internal affairs.
"[Macron's statements] are aimed at comparing African leaders to children by escalating, without taking into account the differences between national contexts, psychosis, regarding the regional threat of the spread of military putsches. [Macron] hopes to scare them and use them as an ECOWAS tool to force them to join a neo-colonialist project from another era to invade Niger," the CNSP said in a statement.
Read more: Nigerien Defense Minister meets with Chinese envoy for defense talks
