China is now playing the role of mediator in the Niger crisis. The decision follows a meeting between the Chinese envoy to Niger Jing Feng and Niger’s transitional Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine in Niamey on Sept. 4. According to Turkiye’s Anadolu Agency, Feng said China always pursues the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
“The Chinese government intends to play the role of a mediator, with full respect for the regional countries, to find a political solution to this Nigerien crisis,” Feng told reporters after the meeting. “China stands with Nigeriens in this situation.”
Supporting the principle of African solutions for African problems, Feng said China always encourages Africans to devise their own solutions to their problems.
For his part, Prime Minister Zeine said talks are underway with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the possibility of lifting “as soon as possible” sanctions imposed on Niger following the political crisis. He added that similar discussions are underway for a rapid withdrawal of 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger.
China plays an important role in Niger’s economy, as it does in most East African nations, particularly in energy, oil and infrastructure. That includes the construction of a 2,000 km oil exportation pipeline, which would facilitate transportation of crude oil from southern Niger’s Agadem fields to the port of Seme in Benin.
