Niger Shuts Airspace Amid President’s Reinstatement Denial
France, the previous colonial ruler, severed military connections with the junta when they assumed control on July 26th. France has stated its resolute support for whatever steps Ecowas decides to take once the Sunday deadline has passed.
Previously, a multitude of supporters of the junta gathered at a stadium in Niamey, the capital city. They enthusiastically celebrated the choice to resist outside demands to step down by Sunday, which came after the seizure of power on July 26.
The latest coup, marking the seventh one in West and Central Africa within three years, has caused significant upheaval in the Sahel region, which is renowned as one of the most economically disadvantaged areas globally. Due to its valuable resources of uranium and oil, as well as its crucial involvement in combating Islamist extremists, Niger bears significance for several major players such as the United States, Europe, China, and Russia.
The military leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reached a consensus on a potential military strategy, outlining the timing and location of possible operations. This plan would be executed if the detained president, Mohamed Bazoum, is not freed and restored to his position by the specified deadline.
“In the face of the threat of intervention that is becoming more apparent … Nigerien airspace is closed effective from today,” a junta representative said in a statement on national television on Sunday evening.
He mentioned that troops had been positioned in advance in a couple of Central African nations as part of readiness for an involvement, though specific information wasn’t provided.
“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,” he said.
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ECOWAS has not responded to its upcoming actions or the precise timing of the Sunday deadline’s expiration regarding a comment request. A representative previously mentioned that a statement would be released by the conclusion of the day.
Playing military melodies and honking vuvuzela horns, more than 100 backers of the junta established a protest near an air base in Niamey this weekend. This action is part of a civilian initiative aimed at providing peaceful opposition in favor of the junta, should the situation require it.
While the event organizers were leading enthusiastic slogans of “Long live Niger,” a significant portion of the passionate sentiment seemed to be aimed at both ECOWAS and France, the former colonial ruler. France had announced its endorsement of regional initiatives to reverse the coup on Saturday but without clear confirmation of potential military involvement.
“The Nigerien people have understood that these imperialists want to bring about our demise. And God willing, they will be the ones to suffer for it,” said pensioner Amadou Adamou.
Niger took action last week to cancel military cooperation pacts with France, a country that currently has a presence of around 1,000 to 1,500 soldiers within Niger’s borders.
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Sunday’s TV shows featured a panel discussion focusing on promoting unity in response to ECOWAS sanctions. These sanctions have resulted in electricity outages and significantly higher food costs.
The potential for military action from the alliance has sparked concerns about escalated strife in an area already grappling with a lethal Islamist uprising responsible for numerous casualties and the displacement of millions.
The presence of commitments made by the military leadership in Mali and Burkina Faso to assist Niger if necessary could add complexity to any potential military involvement.
On Saturday in Paris, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, the Prime Minister of Bazoum, expressed that the former government remains hopeful about reaching a last-minute agreement.
In Paris on Saturday, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, the Prime Minister of Bazoum, conveyed that there is still optimism within the previous administration about achieving a late-stage accord.
Niger Shuts Airspace Amid President’s Reinstatement Denial