Niger’s military authorities stated Sunday that the country’s airspace has been blocked, warning that any attempt to violate it would result in an “energetic and immediate response.”
“Faced with the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparations of neighboring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed for all aircraft from this day on Sunday until further notice,” the country’s new rulers stated in a statement.
The statement came as the West African bloc ECOWAS’s deadline for returning control to democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum approached.
ECOWAS last Sunday issued Niger’s new military rulers with an ultimatum to stand down within the week or face possible military intervention. Bazoum was overthrown on July 26 when members of his own guard detained him at the presidency.
Credit: AFP
