In response to the threat of military intervention from neighboring countries, Niger’s coup leaders have taken the drastic step of closing the country’s airspace until further notice. As per Flightradar24, there are currently no aircraft in Niger’s skies due to this decision.
The West African regional group of countries, known as Ecowas, had issued a warning that it might use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated by the set deadline of 23:00 GMT on Sunday. However, Niger’s junta spokesman asserted that the country’s armed forces are prepared to defend it.
President Mohamed Bazoum was detained on 26 July, and General Abdourahmane Tchiani, commander of the presidential guard, declared himself the new leader following the military takeover. This coup has drawn international condemnation, with criticism coming from France, the European Union, the United Nations, and the United States.
The junta, in a statement broadcast on national television, cited concerns of a possible attack from a foreign power as the reason for closing the country’s airspace.
Ecowas military chiefs had met in Nigeria to discuss the situation and formulated a detailed plan for potential military action. They emphasized their preference for diplomatic solutions but conveyed a strong message to Niger’s junta to reverse their actions.
The ultimatum given by Ecowas, demanding the generals relinquish power by midnight local time, has now passed. Despite this, the coup leaders have not shown any inclination to cede power, and thousands of their supporters demonstrated defiantly in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
In light of the situation, two of Niger’s neighboring countries, Burkina Faso and Mali, issued warnings that they would view any external military intervention in Niger as a declaration of war against them. Both Burkina Faso and Mali are Ecowas members but have been suspended from the bloc due to military juntas ruling in their countries.
Niger’s significance as a uranium producer, an essential fuel for nuclear power, and its role as a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel region of West Africa make the current situation even more concerning for regional stability and international interests.
