Niger’s coup leaders have shut down the country’s airspace due to concerns about possible military intervention from neighboring countries.
Flightradar24 indicates that there are no current flights over Niger. The West African group Ecowas warned that they might use force if President Mohamed Bazoum wasn’t reinstated by a specific deadline.
The junta spokesperson mentioned that Niger’s armed forces are prepared to protect the country. Mr. Bazoum was detained, and Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself the new leader. The international community, including France, the EU, the UN, and the US, criticized the military takeover.
The junta suggested that a foreign power might be planning an attack. Ecowas military leaders developed a plan for potential intervention after a crisis meeting.
They urged the junta to reverse their actions but the deadline has passed. Supporters of the coup gathered in Niamey, while neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali warned against external military involvement. Niger holds importance as a uranium producer and a Western ally against Sahel region militants.
