Monsurat
Niger’s coup leaders have shut down the country’s airspace until further notice, as the deadline to given by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expires.
The ultimatum given by ECOWAS for the reinstatement of President Bazoum expired on Sunday 23:00 GMT. The regional trading bloc had said there could be risk of military intervention by expiration of the deadline.
According to reports by BBC, “flight tracking website Flightradar24 is showing that there are currently no aircraft in Niger’s skies.”
A spokesperson for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), Amadou Abdramane, cited threat of military intervention from neighboring countries for the airspace closure.
“In the face of the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighboring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday…until further notice”, said Abdramane in a statement read on national television on Sunday.
He added “Niger’s armed forces and all our defense and security forces, backed by the unfailing support of our people, are ready to defend the integrity of our territory.”
The coup started on July 26, when President Bazoum was detained and Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, commander of the presidential guard, declared himself the new leader. The coup was reportedly due to insecurity and the economic situation of the country.
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