The ECOWAS-backed inter-Nigerien consultations between the government and the opposition have been postponed until 7 January in Niamey. Sources close to the ECOWAS mediator Abdul Salami Abubakar, told APA about the deferment while not giving additional reasons.
“It was agreed to postpone the dialogue until next week Thursday,” the sources said on condition of anonymity.
The government-opposition talks did not resume on Tuesday, after they were suspended them for the Christmas celebrations.
The opening of the dialogue between the actors of the political crisis in Niger is aimed at resolving the crisis arising from the adoption in August of a new Constitution, which extends by three years the mandate of President Mamadou Tandja, whose second five-year term expired on 22 December.
The mediator Abubakar said they had asked both parties to make written proposals to end the crisis.
The political tension in Niger has caused its suspension in October from ECOWAS membership, which has also noted the “lawful end” of the mandate of President Tandja, who had strongly criticized the West African body.
Washington, opposed to the Nigerien leader’s staying in power, formally suspended on Wednesday its financial assistance to Niamey, imposing a travel ban to the USA on the country’s high-ranking officials.
The EU, as Niger’s main development partner, also cut its non-humanitarian aid and called on Niamey to open consultations aimed at restoring democracy in the country.
Source African Press Agency
