Niger military regime closes airspace ahead of ECOWAS ultimatum

The soldiers who seized power in Niger announced this Sunday that they closed the country’s airspace, minutes before the ultimatum issued by the bloc of Africa western (cedeao) for the country to return to democracy.

“Faced with the threat of intervention, which is made clearer by the preparation of neighboring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this Sunday (…) for all aircraft until further notice”, indicated the military in power in a statement.

LOOK HERE: Niger’s coup leader rejects sanctions and affirms that he will not give in to threats

“Any attempt to violate airspace” will behave “an energetic and immediate response”, he added.

The announcement came just minutes before midnight on Sunday, as the block’s ultimatum expired. West Africa (Cedeao) to the military to return power to the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum was overthrown on July 26 when members of his own guard detained him.

A week ago, ECOWAS gave the new military rulers of Nigerhe National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), a period of seven days for them to withdraw or face a possible military intervention.

In another statement, the CNSP states that there was apre-deployment for the preparation of the intervention in two countries of Central Africa”, without specifying which ones.

“Any state involved will be considered co-belligerent”, he added.

‘A threat to the sub-region’

Niger’s land and air borders with five neighboring countries (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali and Chad) were reopened on August 2, almost a week after being closed during the coup.

Two of the neighboring countries, Nigeria and Algeria, are instead in favor of a diplomatic solution.

The president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattaraalso called on Sunday for the leaders of the coup to give up.

“We condemn the coup attempt in Niger, which poses a serious threat to peace and security in the sub-regionOuattara said.

MORE INFORMATION: What is happening in Niger and why is it a relevant crisis for France, the US, Russia and the rest of Africa?

In the dusty streets of the neighborhood of BoukokiIn the capital, residents were defiant at the prospect of armed intervention.

“We are going to fight for this revolution. We will not back down before the enemy, we are determined”, affirmed a resident, Adama Oumarouadding that they had “waited a long time for this hit”.

“Down with France”

Nearly 30,000 supporters of the generals gathered on Sunday in a stadium in Niamey to support and listen to a CNSP delegation.

At the scene they were cheered and surrounded by an angry crowd, according to AFP journalists. The general Mohamed Toumbanumber three of the CNSP, took the floor to denounce those who “lurk in the shadows” and “they are plotting subversion” against him “Niger advance”.

“We are aware of his Machiavellian plan“, said.

“Today is the day of our true independence!”, shouted a young man, while the crowd around him shouted “ohDown with France, down with Cedeao!”.

The coup was condemned by all of Niger’s Western and African partners, but the Nigerien military was supported by its counterparts in Mali and Burkina Faso, who also rose to power through coups in 2020 and 2022 and are also facing violence. jihadist.

uncertain outlook

France announced on Sunday night the suspension “until new notice“of all his”development aid actions and budget support” in Burkina Faso.

Paris is backing the ECOWAS countries in their efforts to restore President Mohamed Bazoum, imprisoned since the July 26 coup.

But the prospect of military intervention by West African countries is still uncertain.

The senators of Nigeria, a heavyweight in ECOWAS, with 215 million inhabitants and a 1,500-kilometer shared border with Niger, called the president on Saturday Tinubu Ball to “strengthen the political and diplomatic option”.

ALSO SEE: France will evacuate its citizens in Niger today and other Europeans will be able to join

Algeria, which is not a member of ECOWAS but shares almost 1,000 kilometers of border with Niger, also expressed reservations on Saturday night.

Relations between the military who have seized power and France, a former colonial power, have deteriorated in recent days.

On Thursday they withdrew from cooperation agreements in the field of security and defense with Francewhich deploys a military contingent of 1,500 soldiers in Niger for the anti-jihadist fight.

Source: Elcomercio

jack

I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.