Niger’s Foreign Ministry denied having accepted Algeria’s offer of mediation toward a political resolution of the country’s chaotic situation, following Algiers’ claim that Niger had accepted its proposal, according to a Niamey.com outlet, quoting a Foreign Ministry release issued Tuesday.
Niger’s foreign ministry expressed its surprise at Algeria’s assertion that it would serve as a mediator during the next six transitional periods, stating that the duration of the transitional period can be determined only by an “inclusive national forum.”
The Nigerian authorities indicated, however, that they would consider Algeria’s offer of mediation, emphasizing their desire to retain amicable relations with their neighboring country.
Meanwhile, terrorists have killed around 30 soldiers in western Niger. Niger’s Ministry of Defense announced early Tuesday that more than 100 terrorists killed 29 soldiers and injured many others in western Niger using explosive devices and suicide vehicles in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in its history.
The defense ministry stated that dozens of “terrorists” were killed in a counterattack against the Islamic State in Great Sahara in the region.
It announced three days of mourning for the Nigerien people.