Niger’s mutinous soldiers have taken action to close the country’s airspace and have made allegations of an imminent attack by foreign powers. The junta has disregarded the deadline set by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to reinstate the ousted president and has issued a warning that any attempt to fly over Niger will be met with a swift and vigorous response.
In a statement aired on state television on Sunday night, the junta announced the closure of Niger’s airspace, which will remain in effect until further notice. They cited the threat of intervention being prepared in a neighboring country as justification for this action. Additionally, the junta claimed that two central African countries are planning an invasion but did not disclose their identities. They have called on the country’s population to stand up and defend Niger.
As a result of these developments, international airlines have started diverting flights away from Niger’s airspace. This move has significant implications, as Niger was seen as a key counterterrorism partner in the Sahel region, where extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State are gaining influence. The status of the future 1,100 U.S. military personnel in Niger is currently unclear.
Meanwhile, in Mali, the armed forces have announced that they, along with Burkina Faso, are sending a delegation of officials to Niger to show support. Both countries have declared that any intervention in Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.
Since the coup in Niger two weeks ago, regional tensions have been escalating. The mutinous soldiers have detained the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and installed General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the former head of the presidential guard, as the head of state. Analysts believe that the coup was triggered by a power struggle between Tchiani and President Bazoum, who had intended to dismiss him.
The next steps for ECOWAS are unclear now that the deadline has expired. The region is divided on the course of action to take, and there is no evidence of military forces gathering at Niger’s border with Nigeria, which would be the likely entry point by land.
In response to the plan to invade, Nigeria’s Senate has voiced opposition and called on the Nigerian president, who currently chairs ECOWAS, to explore alternative options. However, ECOWAS still has the authority to move forward with military intervention, as final decisions are made by consensus among member states.
A former British army officer with experience in Nigeria has revealed that military officials there have not received orders to use military force. Nevertheless, he preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the situation.
The situation in Niger has attracted worldwide attention, as demonstrated by the rally held in support of the junta leaders. Thousands of people attended the rally, pledging their allegiance and vowing to protect Niger from foreign intervention. The junta leaders seized this opportunity to exploit anti-French sentiments among the population, severing security ties with France. In response, France’s ministry of foreign affairs has formally advised against travel to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, urging French nationals to exercise extreme caution.
Furthermore, Niger’s junta has turned to the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which operates in several African countries, including Mali, for assistance. This move has raised concerns and divided opinions among neighboring countries. Guinea and Algeria have openly opposed the use of force, while Senegal has agreed to participate in a military operation if it takes place, and Ivory Coast has voiced support for ECOWAS’ efforts to restore constitutional order.
Although the junta seems uninterested in negotiation, there are concerns about its tightening grip on power. Anonymous officials have stated that the junta is instilling fear in the population to force them into supporting their cause.
The situation in Niger remains highly volatile, with the outcome uncertain. The actions of the junta, the response from ECOWAS, and the attitudes of neighboring countries will determine the future course of events.
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