Algeria Proposes Transitional Period to Resolve Niger Crisis

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf announced today that Algeria is proposing an initiative to solve the political crisis in neighboring Niger, which includes a six-month transitional period led by a civilian. Attaf, who recently toured West African countries, stated that most countries they spoke to oppose military intervention to end the crisis. Last week, military leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Ghana to discuss potential military intervention in Niger after members of the presidential guard seized power last month and formed a military council. Algeria has repeatedly stated its opposition to military intervention, citing the chaos that followed NATO operations in Libya in 2011 during the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.