Algerian Ambassador to Rome Touahria: “Italy Can Greatly Contribute to the Algerian Initiative in Niger”
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In an exclusive interview with the Nova agency, the Algerian Ambassador to Rome, Abdelkrim Touahria, underscored Italy’s pivotal role in advancing the Algerian initiative aimed at peacefully resolving the ongoing crisis in Niger. Ambassador Touahria emphasized the significance of Italy’s contributions, particularly in the aftermath of the last international conference on development and migration held in Rome.
“This Italian initiative is closely intertwined with the broader African context,” remarked Ambassador Touahria, “Italy is poised to make a substantial impact on African nations, promoting their development and curbing illegal immigration.” He further explained, “To combat illegal immigration effectively, it is imperative to create conditions conducive to the growth of these countries, thereby offering their youth a viable alternative to the perilous Mediterranean crossing.”
Ambassador Touahria went on to highlight the distinctions between the crisis in Niger and that in Libya. “The crisis in Niger presents notable differences compared to that of Libya,” he observed. “In Libya, we witness the presence of significant stakeholders, particularly in the east and west, centered around Tripoli and Benghazi.”
In contrast, Niger does not exhibit such deep divisions. Notably, Niger stands as one of the pioneering countries in the region to successfully embrace democratic processes. Touahria emphasized, “Niger has prior experience with democracy in action,” but he also deemed the recent events in Niamey as “regrettable.”
“It appears that the population was dissatisfied with their living conditions, which had become exceedingly difficult,” he noted. “Possibly fearing an eruption of unrest in the streets, the military felt compelled to remove President Mohamed Bazoum and assume power temporarily while awaiting the establishment of an alternative governance structure. However, nothing justifies the use of force to seize power,” the Algerian diplomat added.
Algeria has recently launched a flexible and inclusive initiative, welcoming contributions from the entire international community. This initiative seeks to deter armed interventions by member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the national council for safeguarding the homeland in Niger.
Aligned with the decisions of the African Union against unconstitutional changes, the Algerian proposal outlines a six-month transition period. This timeframe will allow for the convening of Nigerien stakeholders at the negotiation table and ultimately lead to a referendum or elections, fostering a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Niger.
Ambassador Touahria’s remarks shed light on the critical role Italy can play in not only addressing the Niger crisis but also in working towards long-term stability and development in the African region. Italy’s commitment to these efforts signifies a collaborative approach to tackling the complex challenges facing the continent.
The Tebboune Initiative: A Path to Resolving the Crisis in Niger through Diplomacy
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, unveiled the “Tebboune Initiative,” a remarkable effort by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to address the pressing crisis in Niger through a diplomatic and political approach. In a press conference held yesterday in Algiers, Attaf outlined the multi-faceted strategy designed to uphold constitutional order, establish a consensual transition, and promote regional stability.
Attaf, an eminent educator and diplomat, addressed the media to expound upon Algeria’s comprehensive plan for a peaceful resolution to the Niger crisis. The initiative was formulated with meticulous attention to detail, tracing its inception from the very day of the coup d’état.
Acknowledging the legitimacy of President Bazoum while firmly denouncing the use of force to alter constitutional norms, Attaf reiterated the significance of maintaining Niger’s nascent democratic transition. The delicate situation in Niger, as it experiences its first genuine shift towards civilian power, necessitates a cautious and collective approach.
Counter to any inclination toward military intervention, Algeria, from its vantage point, emphasizes the catastrophic aftermath often associated with such actions. Attaf drew parallels to the destabilization brought upon countries like Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Somalia, attributing these disruptions to the rise in terrorism, ethnic conflicts, and the displacement of populations.
Algeria’ steadfast advocacy for a peaceful solution is grounded in its commitment to regional stability. Attaf ardently advocated for a solution that, as he asserted, “is not unilaterally conceived, but rather an amalgamation of consultations, opinions, and negotiations—a truly collective endeavor.”
Having elucidated the prevailing conditions in Niger and the broader region, Attaf unveiled the six pivotal elements of Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s initiative.
- A Consensual Transitional Figure for a 6-Month Period: Algeria proposes a respected figure to lead a six-month transition, reinforcing the principle of rejecting unconstitutional alterations.
- Upholding the Principle of Constitutional Legitimacy: Algeria contends that it is the moral and legitimate custodian of the principle endorsed by the African Union in 1999. The nation calls for its reinforcement and practical application.
- Political Arrangements for Crisis Resolution: Algeria champions political arrangements with the unanimous endorsement of all involved parties, aiming to end the crisis within six months. A civil authority, led by a consensus-driven political leader, would oversee this process.
- Ensuring Guarantees for All Parties: Algeria’s approach guarantees the interests of all Nigerien parties, affirming its participatory nature. Wide-ranging consultations were conducted internally, regionally with neighboring nations and the ECOWAS states, and internationally with stakeholders willing to contribute to the solution.
- International Support and Conferences: Officials from various countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and global counterparts from the United States, Canada, and Italy, have expressed their support for a political resolution and opposition to military intervention.
- International Sahel Development Conference: Following the initiative’s progression, Algeria aims to host an international conference focused on Sahel’s development. The conference will unite friendly, neighboring, and foreign partners to raise funds for vital development programs within one of the world’s poorest regions.
Attaf underscored the urgency of mobilizing financial resources for socioeconomic infrastructure projects that guarantee regional stability. Stricken by poverty, political uncertainty, and terrorism, the Sahel nations face the dire repercussions of unchecked instability, including terrorism, trafficking, and cross-border crime.
As terrorism spreads across Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and beyond, Attaf urged international cooperation in tackling these shared challenges. He stressed that Algeria, being encircled by this arc of turmoil, firmly believes that military intervention would only exacerbate the situation and inflame regional instability.
With the “Tebboune Initiative,” Algeria stands resolute in its dedication to peaceful diplomacy as the linchpin for resolving the crisis in Niger and promoting lasting regional tranquility.
