Algeria proposed a plan for Niger's transition to democracy

(Patria) - Algeria's foreign minister proposed a six-month transition plan for neighboring Niger, whose coup leader is seeking a much longer timeframe for a return to democracy, AFP reports.

Ahmed Attaf presented his proposed framework after a tour last week of three Niger neighbors in the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has threatened to send in troops if Niger's new military regime does not restore democracy.

Attaf reiterated that Algeria rejected military intervention in Niger and said Algeria would not allow its airspace to be used for such a purpose. He proposed a six-month transition phase to allow the neighboring country to restore "constitutional and democratic order".

In contrast, Niger's coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani "called for a transition period of no more than three years," Attaf told a press conference. "But in our view, the (transition) process can be completed in six months" so that the coup does not become a "fait accompli," he continued.

The transition plan would aim to "formulate political arrangements with the acceptance of all parties in Niger without excluding any party" within half a year, the foreign minister of Africa's largest country said. The process would be overseen by a "civilian force led by consensus," he continued, without specifying who that might be.

Attaf's tour last week took him to Nigeria, Benin and Ghana, where he held talks against a backdrop of repeated calls by Algeria to prevent military intervention in Niger.

The West African bloc has threatened to use force as a last resort to restore Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since July 26.

Attaf's tour coincided with a visit to Niger by Lounes Magramane, secretary-general of the foreign ministry, who met members of the military-appointed government, including Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine.

Attaf reiterated on Tuesday that a military solution would have "catastrophic consequences" for Niger. He said neither Magramane nor Algeria's ambassador in Niamey had met with Bazoum, though he did not specify whether the ousted leader was part of his country's vision for Niger's transition.

When asked if Algeria would allow its airspace to be used for military intervention, he said: "We reject a military solution, so how can we allow our airspace to be used for a military operation?"

Algeria shares a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) southern land border with Niger.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had earlier said a military solution would pose a "direct threat" to his country. He stressed "there will be no solution without us (Algeria). We are the first affected."