The Chinese ambassador to Niger, Jing Feng, met with the transition Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zene on Monday and offered to serve as a mediator to help defuse the escalating political crisis in the West African country.
“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,” Jiang said.
But it’s not clear if Jiang’s offer will even be necessary now that it looks increasingly likely French forces will withdraw following talks with the French embassy in Niamey.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? China is becoming increasingly confident in its abilities to serve as an international mediator following last March’s successful reunion between Iran and Saudi Arabia that Beijing helped facilitate. In Niger, China is also well-positioned to make this kind of offer, given that its position there is very strong relative to those of other major (Western) powers that are under pressure.
SUGGESTED READING:
- Anadolu: China to mediate in Niger crisis by James Tasamba
- Bloomberg: Niger Junta Expects Rapid French Troop Withdrawal Amid Talks by Katarina Hoije and Samy Adghirni
