afrol News, 12 February - Niger talks have hit yet another hard rock after the opposition accused government of refusing to adhere to suggestions by mediator and former Nigerian President General Abdusalami Abubaka.

A leading member of Niger’s opposition coalition, Bazoum Mohammed,said President Mamadou Tandja’s government is to blame for the breakdown of negotiations to resolve an ongoing political crisis.

The dialogue, which began last year on 21 December and has been interrupted several times, failed again after two conflicting sides could not reach an understanding on the new draft agreement submitted by Abdulsalami Abubakar, the mediator of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The draft accord proposes that President Mamadou Tandja remains in office during the period of transition. It also envisages an opposition prime minister, a new constitution and fresh general elections.

President Tandja dissolved parliament in May last year and extended his term by way of a referendum on 4 August, which was boycotted by the opposition.

Political observers have suggested that the West African regional bloc might consider stiffer sanctions against President Tandja’s government over the breakdown of negotiations.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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