Niger closes airspace over ECOWAS ultimatum
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Niger fortifies its airspace by closing it in response to the threats issued by ECOWAS over the coup that took place in the country amid rising tensions.
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Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum, addresses supporters of Niger's ruling junta in Niamey, Niger, Aug. 6, 2023 (AP)
Niger's coup leaders, who staged the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum in July, have taken further measures in response to the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS), announcing the closure of the country's airspace amidst the growing threat of military intervention from neighboring nations.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group stated, "Faced with the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighboring countries, Niger's airspace is closed from this day on Sunday... for all aircraft until further notice," AFP reported, citing a statement issued by the government.
The political crisis in Niger took a sharp turn on July 26, when the presidential guard detained President Bazoum, leading to the subsequent declaration of interim leadership by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who also assumed the presidency of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
In response to the coup, ECOWAS swiftly condemned the action and suspended financial aid to the country. Furthermore, they issued an ultimatum giving Niger's coup leaders one week to reinstate the detained president.
The ECOWAS military chiefs met to discuss options for military intervention in Niger. The goal of the meeting was to outline a plan for the intervention, its strategy, logistical aspects, and timetable.
Failure to comply could result in ECOWAS resorting to "all measures," including military intervention, to restore order in the African nation. Several European countries have followed suit, suspending aid to Niger and evacuating their citizens.
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.
Despite the ultimatum deadline set by ECOWAS, thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets in the capital, Niamey, on Sunday, to show their support for the rebel military.
Read next: Nigeria urges ECOWAS to strive for diplomatic solutions in Niger
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.
The demonstrators displayed unwavering support for the rebel commander while waving both Nigerien and Russian national flags. The fervent show of solidarity demonstrated that the crowds were undeterred by the impending deadline.
