Transition Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine conducted a working visit to Chad on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Upon their arrival, the Nigerien officials were received by a strong delegation led by Chadian Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo.
Accompanied by two members of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Nation (CNSP), Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine went to convey a message from General Tiani to Mahamat Idriss Déby. The contents of the message were not disclosed to the press.
After the meeting, the Nigerien Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Chadian authorities for receiving them. This visit comes at a time when the Nigerien junta is facing challenges and is under the threat of the use of force by ECOWAS to restore constitutional order in the country.
Currently under an economic embargo with the borders of several ECOWAS member countries closed in retaliation, the junta is seeking allies. Chad, a neighboring country to Niger and a non-ECOWAS member, could potentially serve as an exit route for the new Nigerien authorities.
It’s worth noting that in the early stages of the crisis, Mahamat Idriss Déby was sent by ECOWAS to initiate negotiations with the junta.
