Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboun has stated that the country opposes a possible military intervention in Niger, arguing that it could have multilateral consequences during a TV interview on the sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS against the military leadership.
"There was a coup [in Niger]. And we confirmed that we are in favor of constitutional legality. And it is necessary to return to that legitimacy. We are ready to help them," the president said. "Waving military intervention in Niger is a direct threat to Algeria and we reject it completely and categorically."
On July 26, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted from power by Abdourahmane Tchianias, the presidential guard's commander. Tchianias proclaimed himself interim leader and the president of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
Last Sunday, the West African political bloc imposed sanctions on Niger and demanded the "immediate release and reinstatement" of Bazoum, threatening "all measures," including military intervention, to restore order. West African leaders gave the military in Niger one week to cede power, warning they did not rule out the "use of force", and imposed immediate financial sanctions.
"In the event the authorities' demands are not met within one week, [ECOWAS will] take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force. For this effect, the chiefs of defense staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately," the bloc said at the moment.
On August 4, participants in an extraordinary meeting of the chiefs of general staff of the armed forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja adopted a plan for a possible military intervention in Niger.
Along with the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, the European Union and several individual countries have suspended financial support and cooperation with Niger. The Central Bank of West African States likewise announced the closure of its branches.
Niger's coup leadership and CNSP said it would respond to any attempted aggression, urging Nigeriens to protest against ECOWAS.
"Problems must be solved peacefully," Tebboun concluded, referring to events around Niger.
Algeria is a neighbor of Niger and has a common 950km-long border with it.