Niger’s junta shuts airspace and accuses neighboring nations of plan to invade as deadline passes

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Niger’s rebellious military forces have shut down the nation’s airspace and blamed foreign powers for planning an attack. The actions came as the military junta ignored a deadline for reinstating the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, threatening to respond energetically to any unauthorized flights over the nation.

On Sunday evening, the move was broadcasted on Niger’s state television, just hours before the West African regional group ECOWAS’ ultimatum, which called for the coup leaders to restore President Bazoum to power or face potential military intervention.

Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for the coup leaders, cautioned about the preparation of an intervention in a neighboring country and declared Niger’s airspace closed indefinitely. The junta claimed that two Central African countries were preparing for an invasion, without naming them, and encouraged the people of Niger to stand in defense.

International flights were rerouted around Niger’s airspace on that day.

Since the overthrow and detention of Niger’s democratically elected president almost two weeks ago by mutinous soldiers, regional tensions have escalated. The coup, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who was the head of the presidential guard, is suspected to have been sparked by a power struggle between him and the president.

The regional bloc ECOWAS has yet to decide on a course of action now that the deadline has passed. Several countries have expressed disagreement over the use of force, while others support the efforts to restore constitutional order. Even Nigeria’s Senate has called for exploring alternatives to military action.

Military officials in Nigeria indicated on Monday that President Bolu Tinubu had not ordered military intervention. However, the junta in Niger seems unwilling to negotiate, having denied an ECOWAS delegation access to leave the airport for talks.

The junta has mobilized popular support by exploiting anti-French sentiments and has taken swift actions to cut ties with France. Additionally, they have sought assistance from the Russian mercenary group Wagner.

France has issued travel warnings to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, while the U.S., France, and other nations are left uncertain about the future of their counterterrorism partnership in the Sahel region.

Within Niger, there is a divide among the population, with many youth rallying in support of the junta, patrolling the streets and standing against foreign intervention. Others are concerned about the junta’s increasing control and coercion, with reports of the junta intimidating people to join them and monitoring conversations with foreigners.

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More about fokus keyword Niger’s junta

• BBC News: Niger coup and the aftermath
• Al Jazeera: Niger’s political crisis deepens
• ECOWAS Official Statement on Niger
• France 24: France’s response to the situation in Niger