Africa
Niger Military Closes Airspace, Warns Of Impending Attack
Neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by juntas, have warned that any intervention would also be interpreted as a “declaration of war” against them.
Mutinous soldiers in Niger shut down the nation’s airspace, alleging that foreign powers were plotting an assault, while the junta defied a deadline to reinstate the deposed president.
Niger’s state television announced this action on Sunday night, just hours prior to the West African regional body ECOWAS issuing an ultimatum for the coup leaders to restore President Mohamed Bazoum or potentially encounter military intervention.
During his broadcast statement, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for the coup, conveyed, “The National Council for the Safeguard of the Country is issuing a passionate call to our youth, the honorable sons and daughters of our nation, urging them to be prepared to safeguard our nation.”
A delegation from ECOWAS was unsuccessful in their attempt to hold a meeting with Tchiani, who experts believe orchestrated the coup to prevent being dismissed.
Currently, the junta has sought support from Wagner while cutting security connections with their former colonial ruler, France.
Algeria and Chad, neighboring countries with robust regional military capabilities, have expressed their disapproval of employing force or indicated a lack of intention for military intervention. Additionally, neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by juntas, have warned that any intervention would also be interpreted as a “declaration of war” against them.