Coup D’état: Niger Military Junta Shuts Air Space Amid Threats of Tinubu-Led ECOWAS Invasion
- The Niger Republic military government led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani has announced the closure of its air space
- General Tchiani made the announcement via a statement on Sunday, August 6, after the end of the deadline for surrender issued by ECOWAS
- As contained in the statement, General Tchiani noted that any attempt to invade Niger would be met with an “energetic and immediate response”
Niger, Niamey - Emerging reports have confirmed that the General Abdourahamane Tchiani-led military government in the Niger Republic has shut down the country's air space amid threats of imminent military intervention from external forces.
As reported by Bloomberg, this is coming after the deadline for surrender issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) elapsed on Sunday, August 6.
Source: Getty Images
It was gathered that at the closure of its air space, General Tchiani warned that an attempt to invade Niger's air space would be translated as war and would be met with an “energetic and immediate response.”
According to Aljazeera, he said:
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“Faced with the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday… for all aircraft until further notice.”
President Bazoum still in captivity
The captured President Mohamed Bazoum is still in General Tchiani's captivity as he remains adamant about his refusal to release him or hand over power to him as demanded by ECOWAS and other Western nations.
ECOWAS last Sunday issued Niger’s new military rulers with an ultimatum to stand down within the week or face possible military intervention.
Bazoum was overthrown on Wednesday, July 26, when members of his guard detained him at the presidency.
Coup D’etat: PDP warns Tinubu against engaging Niger Republic in war, proffers solution
In another development, the PDP has urged President Bola Tinubu not to embark on war with the Niger Republic over the recent coup in the neighbouring country.
The main opposition party said President Tinubu should instead employ dialogue and diplomacy.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, stated after their meeting in Abuja.
Source: Legit.ng
