Tensions are rising between Algeria and Niger. The transitional authorities in Niger, stemming from the coup d’état on July 26th, have summoned the Algerian ambassador to Niger, as stated in a press release from the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on its Facebook page.
According to the same source, the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Algerian ambassador, Bekhadda Mehdi, on Wednesday, April 3rd, to protest against the recent escalation by Algerian authorities in deporting irregular migrants to Nigerien territory. Niger considers these operations to be conducted “in violation of rules,” without specifying which rules.
Algeria, which has not yet responded to the summons, is expected to address the Nigerien authorities.
Following the coup d’état that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum from power on July 26th, 2023, Algeria proposed mediation to facilitate a return to constitutional order and to avoid the specter of war after the threat of military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Algeria was officially informed on September 27th of the “acceptance” of its mediation initiative by the Nigerien authorities.
However, on October 23rd, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Algerian government had decided to “suspend the engagement of the preparatory discussions envisaged” until “clarifications deemed necessary regarding the implementation of Algerian mediation” are obtained.
Algerian diplomacy explained Algeria’s decision by stating that the exchanges “have not been conclusive” regarding the visit that Algerian Minister Ahmed Attaf was supposed to make to Niamey. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs added, “Similarly, official and public statements from Nigerien authorities have raised legitimate questions about their real willingness to follow up on their acceptance of Algerian mediation.”
During a visit to Algiers on December 26th, Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakary Yaou Sangaré, however, “praised the role of Algeria in supporting his country to overcome the current crisis.”
