Niger has recently closed its airspace indefinitely due to a potential threat of military intervention from the West African regional bloc. This decision comes after coup leaders rejected a deadline to reinstate the country’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum.
Thousands of junta supporters gathered in Niamey, the capital of Niger, showing their support for the coup and cheering the decision not to yield to external pressure to step down by the given deadline. The coup, the seventh in West and Central Africa in the past three years, has caused significant turmoil in the Sahel region, which is already one of the world’s poorest areas. Given Niger’s wealth in uranium and oil resources, as well as its crucial role in the fight against Islamist militants, the country holds strategic importance for the United States, Europe, China, and Russia.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formulated a potential military action plan in case President Mohamed Bazoum is not released and reinstated by the set deadline. It includes details of when and where a military strike may occur. The junta representative announced, “In the face of the threat of intervention that is becoming more apparent… Nigerien airspace is closed with effect from today,” during a statement on national television on Sunday evening. He also mentioned the pre-deployment of forces in two Central African countries to prepare for a potential intervention, without providing further details.
ECOWAS has not yet responded regarding its next steps or the exact expiry time of the Sunday deadline. A spokesperson stated that a statement would be issued at the end of the day. Meanwhile, over 100 junta supporters have set up a picket near an air base in Niamey, demonstrating non-violent opposition in support of the coup if necessary. This citizen movement aims to encourage solidarity in the face of ECOWAS sanctions, which have resulted in power outages and soaring food prices.
The military threat from ECOWAS has raised concerns about further conflicts in the region, which is already battling a deadly Islamist insurgency that has claimed countless lives and displaced millions of people. Additionally, any potential military intervention could be made more complex by promises from junta leaders in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to come to Niger’s defense if required.
The ousted regime still believes that a last-minute agreement is possible. Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, a member of Bazoum’s government, stated in Paris on Saturday that they are open to negotiation.
Lastly, Italy has announced a reduction of its troop numbers in Niger to make room in its military base for Italian civilians who may need protection if the security situation deteriorates.