Niger closed its airspace on Sunday until further notice, citing the threat of military intervention from the West African regional bloc after coup leaders rejected a deadline to reinstate the country's ousted president.
Supporters of Niger's coup leaders take part in a rally at a stadium in Niamey, Niger, August 6, 2023. Coup leaders rejected a deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. REUTERS/Mahamadou Hamidou
Defense chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States have agreed a possible military action plan, including when and where to strike, if the detained president, Mohamed Bazoum, is not released and reinstated by the deadline. ECOWAS did not respond to a request for comment on what its next steps would be, or when exactly on Sunday its deadline expires. A spokesman earlier said it would issue a statement at the end of the day.
"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. The bloc's military threat has triggered fears of further conflict in a region already battling the deadly Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and forced millions to flee.
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