Niger Shuts Air Space Over ‘Threat Of Intervention’, Warns Of ‘Energetic and Immediate Response’

As the one-week ultimatum given by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS expired on Sunday, Niger’s military rulers have closer the country’s airspace.

The military leaders, therefore warned that it would deploy an “energetic and immediate response” should there be an attempt to violate the closure.

“Faced with the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday… for all aircraft until further notice,” the country’s new rulers said in a statement.

Recall that ECOWAS, under the chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu had last Sunday, given a one-week ultimatum to the military junta to hand over power to the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is still under detention.

ECOWAS had said failure to hand over power to Bazoum, could result in military intervention.

Bazoum was overthrown on July 26 when members of his guard detained him at the presidency.

Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily reported that the Senate has rejected the request by President Bola Tinubu to approve military action against the Niger Republic.