Algires: In the wake of the recent military coup in neighboring Niger, Algeria has embarked on a diplomatic mission to engage with its West African counterpart. 

Lounes Magramane, the secretary-general of the Algerian Foreign Ministry, has been dispatched to Niger in a demonstration of Algeria's diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis that unfolded in Niger after the armed forces detained elected president Mohammed Bazoum on July 26. 

Algeria, which shares a substantial southern border with Niger, has remained committed to seeking a peaceful resolution and avoiding military intervention in the crisis.

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Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf had initiated a tour of West African nations to address the situation in Niger, underscoring Algiers' stance against military intervention in the country. 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its intent to potentially employ force to reinstate President Bazoum, a move that Algeria opposes.

The current visit by Magramane follows Algeria's consistent dedication to finding a peaceful solution that avoids exacerbating the situation in Niger and endangering regional stability. 

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Algeria's Foreign Ministry noted that Magramane's discussions with key figures and officials in Niger are a continuation of their unwavering efforts.

Algeria's position is driven by its concern that a military solution could escalate tensions and pose a direct threat to its own security. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune emphasized the necessity of Algeria's involvement, stating that there could be no resolution without Algeria's engagement due to its direct impact on the situation.

With extensive borders shared with Libya and Mali, both entangled in prolonged conflicts, Algeria seeks to prevent further instability from spilling over into the region. The coup in Niger marks the fourth instance of political upheaval in West Africa since 2020, following similar incidents in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.

While Algeria remains committed to diplomacy, the ECOWAS has taken a resolute stance against prolonged discussions that yield no tangible results. 

Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner for peace and security, stressed that the coup in Niger has broader implications for regional stability, asserting that the bloc is determined to prevent a domino effect in the region. 

While diplomatic avenues are still open, the ECOWAS is not willing to engage in protracted negotiations with the military junta, as previous instances in Mali and Burkina Faso have shown limited success.

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Following a recent meeting between an ECOWAS delegation and Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of Niger's military regime, Musah emphasized that the next steps rest with the junta. 

The ECOWAS remains steadfast in its commitment to resolving the situation promptly, with diplomatic engagement continuing but not indefinitely. 

The urgency of the situation has led ECOWAS to assert its position clearly, aiming to prevent further instability from taking root in the region.