The military rulers of Niger have taken a decisive step in response to mounting pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
On Sunday, August 06, 2023, the country’s military authorities announced the closure of Niger’s airspace, warning that any attempt to violate it would be met with an “energetic and immediate response.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, the new rulers justified their action, citing the perceived threat of intervention from neighboring countries. “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,” the statement read.
The closure of the airspace comes as the deadline set by ECOWAS for the military rulers to hand back power to the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was due to expire. ECOWAS had issued an ultimatum last Sunday, demanding that the military rulers step down within the week or face possible military intervention.
The political turmoil in Niger began on July 26 when members of President Mohamed Bazoum’s own guard detained him at the presidency, resulting in his overthrow.
The citizens of Niger and the international community await developments as the country’s political future remains uncertain.
