Algeria and Niger have agreed to “revive” their bilateral relations based on the principles of “good neighborliness, brotherhood, and friendship.”
According to the official Algerian news agency, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune met with a delegation led by Niger’s Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine. The delegation was sent by Niger’s President, General Abdurrahmane Tchiani, head of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), and conveyed an important message to President Tebboune.
Following their discussions, Algeria and Niger committed to restoring their relations on the foundation of “good neighborliness, brotherhood, and friendship.”
Prime Minister Zeine highlighted that the relationship between the two countries had suffered due to the military coup that ousted former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023. He remarked, “The relations, which were harmed by these events, needed to be revived. Niger regards Algeria as a brotherly, neighboring, and friendly nation, and it should have supported us from the very beginning of the threat. We felt the absence of this brother and neighbor.”
Zeine also noted that the two nations have reaffirmed their commitment to each other’s sovereignty by addressing any issues in their relationship.
After the coup, Algeria had called for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger but opposed the West African Economic Community’s (ECOWAS) proposed military intervention. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf had previously visited Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana, urging them to “avoid using force against Niger.”
Algerian state radio reported that on the day of the coup, Algeria refused to allow French warplanes to use its airspace for a potential military operation against Niger.
The military regime, which took power under General Abdurrahmane Tchiani on July 26, 2023, announced in August 2023 that Bazoum would be tried for “high treason,” “financing terrorism,” and “conspiring against the state.” Bazoum and his wife Hadiza have been under house arrest since the coup.