Algeria rejects French request to use airspace for Niger attack

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Aug 2023 00:05
2 Shares

Amid the aftermath of a military coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power in Niger, reports suggest that Algeria rebuffed France's appeal to fly over its airspace for a potential attack.

French soldiers from the 1st Spahi Regiment (AFP via Getty Images)

Algeria rejected France's request to use its airspace for a military attack on Niger following a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in late July. According to multiple media reports, including Algerian state radio, it was suggested that France was considering a strike against the new military leadership in Niamey if they did not release Bazoum, who has been detained since July 26.

In response to Algeria's refusal, France reportedly sought permission from Morocco to allow its military aircraft to traverse Moroccan airspace. France, which maintains around 1,500 troops in its former colony Niger, has faced accusations from the coup leaders of planning a military intervention to reinstate the deposed President.

While the French Foreign Ministry has denied any intent of armed intervention, it has reiterated its support for the West African regional bloc ECOWAS.

ECOWAS has threatened to employ force to reverse the coup and restore democratic governance in Niger. However, France maintains that its engagement is aligned with ECOWAS efforts, rather than aiming for direct intervention.

A spokesperson from the French army dismissed claims that France had requested to fly over Algerian territory, countering the reports.

ECOWAS recently announced its plans to deploy troops to Niger if diplomatic attempts to reinstate Bazoum do not yield results. Benin, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria have expressed readiness to contribute troops to this regional mission, allegedly aiming to restore stability and democratic order in Niger.

This is happening shortly after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stressed that the ongoing crisis in Niger poses a direct threat to Algeria, stressing Algiers' absolute rejection of any military intervention in Niamey.

What do you need to know?

On July 26, the Nigerien presidential guard overthrew Bazoum. The guard's commander, Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

The military chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States met to discuss options for military intervention in Niger. The goal of the meeting reportedly is to outline a plan for the intervention, its strategy, logistical aspects, and timetable.

Correspondingly, military leaders in Niger have warned against any armed intervention in their country, stressing that they will "resolutely defend their homeland."

The interim governments of Mali and Burkina Faso warned that any military intervention against Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.

ECOWAS has resorted to implementing a full pressure campaign on the country, which included the closure of land and air borders between the bloc's countries and Niger, the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions with it, and the freezing of the country's assets in ECOWAS Central Banks.

The bloc also suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze the assets of the coup leaders, their families, and supporters, and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country.