UPDATE - Algeria says Niger accepts its mediation offer to restore constitutional order

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Hassan Jibril

ALGIERS, Algeria (AA) – Algeria said Monday the military administration in Niger has accepted its offer of mediation to restore constitutional order in the West African country.

“The Algerian government received from Niger’s Foreign Ministry an official correspondence stating the acceptance of Algeria’s mediation aimed at developing a political solution to the existing crisis in this brotherly country,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said Niger's acceptance of its offer “enhances the option of a political solution to the crisis and paves the way for providing the necessary conditions to facilitate an end of this crisis by peaceful means.”

According to the statement, Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune assigned Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf to travel to the Nigerien capital, Niamey, to start initial discussions with relevant parties on applying the Algerian initiative.

Algeria said in late August that it had proposed a six-month transitional period led by a civilian to solve the crisis in Niger.

Niger was plunged into turmoil on July 26 when Gen. 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 opposes military intervention in Niger and has campaigned against any military action in the West African country.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to the story from Ankara