NIAMEY, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Military-ruled Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, has launched “inclusive national” dialogues, starting with regional consultations in Agadez.
The consultation is considered an important step to solve many urgent problems in this West African country.
Speaking on national television, Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine emphasized the importance of achieving “consensus and comprehensiveness” in these regional discussions.
The first round of consultations in Agadez involved about 300 representatives, including elected officials, traditional leaders, youth organizations, trade unions and NGOs.
The discussion revolved around proposals related to key topics expected to be debated in the upcoming national dialogue, including “timing” of the transition, “fundamental principles” and “ priorities” guide this phase.
In addition to political issues, the negotiations in Niger also delve into urgent issues such as the participation of foreign companies, including the French Orano group, in uranium mining, the presence of presence of US military bases in Niger, challenges related to illegal immigration and security concerns in an area with many artisanal gold mines.
Since President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown on July 26, 2023, Niger has been under the management of the military government.
Dialogue and consultation now play a key role in shaping the country’s political future and addressing complex challenges, focusing on inclusiveness and consensus building at both the regional and international levels. nation.
Recently, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also left open the possibility of easing sanctions on Niger after the coup, depending on the transition period to civilian government in the country. — NNN-AGENCIES