Niger’s coup leaders have closed the national airspace, citing the threat of military intervention by the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Niger’s coup leaders have closed the national airspace, citing the threat of military intervention by the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). According to the representative of the coup leaders, “any attempt to violate the national airspace will be met with an energetic and immediate response.”
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At midnight from Sunday to Monday, the ultimatum, issued by ECOWAS, has expired.
“In any case, the Nigerien Armed Forces and all our defense and security forces, backed by the unwavering support of our people, are ready to defend the integrity of our territory and the honor of our country,” declared the coup major colonel. Amadou Abdramane.
The “National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland” (CNSP) launched an appeal to the citizens of Niger to be prepared to defend the country. According to the CNSP satellite, a pre-deployment of forces has started in two Central African countries (without specifying which ones).
However, The Wall Street Journal, citing a high-ranking ECOWAS military official, states that the Bloc is not prepared to carry out large-scale military action, despite the fact that the generals had previously reported that they had prepared a solid plan.
Despite the fact that the ECOWAS decision was de facto backed by France and the United States (both have troops stationed in Niger), the Nigerien coup leaders have obtained the unequivocal support of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso and have reportedly called for “help ” to the Russian PMC Wagner; in theory, this situation could lead to a full-scale conflict.
In the early hours of Sunday, thousands of junta supporters gathered in Niamey, expressing their discontent with possible intervention plans and with Western policies in general. Thus, the protesters have stabbed a rooster as a symbol of France.
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