Algiers: Nigerien President Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani expressed gratitude to Algeria for its support in the wake of the July 2023 coup, commending the country for rejecting calls for military intervention.
According to Anadolu Agency, Algerian authorities showed solidarity with the Nigerien people, resisting attempts by certain powers with neo-colonial intentions and manipulated international and sub-regional organizations. Tiani made these remarks during a joint news conference with his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in Algiers.
Tiani emphasized that Algeria's stance respected Niger's sovereignty and internal political choices, bringing honor to Algeria and its people. He noted that no Algerian or African would condone the use of Algerian territory to attack an African country, particularly given Algeria's historical struggles against colonial powers.
He praised Algeria's position, contrasting it with certain African countries and their leaders who, according to him, succumbed to external pressures and responded to calls for military action against Niger. Tiani stressed the importance of peace and security for Niger and its neighbors.
Following the July 26, 2023 coup in Niger, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military intervention to restore constitutional order, with France expressing support for such measures.
The visit by Tiani to Algiers marks a potential end to a period of diplomatic strain between the two nations. On Thursday, Algeria announced the return of its ambassador to Niger, Ahmed Saadi, after months of downgraded diplomatic ties. This followed the resumption of duties by Niger's ambassador to Algeria, Aminou Malam Manzo.
The diplomatic rift began last April when Niger, along with Burkina Faso and Mali, recalled their ambassadors from Algeria following an incident involving a Malian drone. Algeria had claimed the drone violated its airspace. In response, Algeria recalled its ambassadors based on reciprocity, attributing Niger's actions to solidarity within the Sahel alliance rather than bilateral issues.
Ties between the two countries began to improve late last year. In November, Tiani sent a message to Tebboune marking Algeria's Revolution Day, and in January, Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab visited Niger to discuss joint oil projects, marking the first senior-level visit since the diplomatic downgrade.