Niger's mutinous soldiers closed the country's airspace and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack, as the junta defied a deadline to restore the ousted president.
Niger's mutinous soldiers closed the country's airspace and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack, as the junta defied a deadline to restore the ousted president and said any attempt to fly over the country will be met with "an energetic and immediate response."Posted: Aug 07, 2023 6:20 AM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Niger's state television announced the move Sunday night, hours before a deadline set by West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which demanded the coup leaders reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or face military force. Regional tensions have mounted since mutinous soldiers overthrew Niger's democratically elected president nearly two weeks ago, detaining him and installing Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani as head of state. Tchiani was head of the presidential guard, and is accused of leading the coup with several members of his unit.
Regional countries Guinea, Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as Algeria, have come out against against the use of force, with Burkina Faso and Mali saying an attack on Niger "would be tantamount to a declaration of war" against them. Senegal and Ivory Coast have both expressed support for ECOWAS' efforts to restore constitutional order, and Senegal's government said it would participate in a military operation if it went ahead.
On Sunday, junta leaders appeared at a rally in the capital, Niamey promising the thousands of supporters present that their loyalty will not be betrayed."We are with you against them. We will give you the Niger that you are owed," said junta member Brig. Gen. Mohamed Toumba.
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