Niger shuts Airspace, defies ECOWAS

The military regime in Niger Republic has shut the country’s airspace effect from Sunday, barring all aircraft till further notice. The military regime warned that “Any attempt to violate the country’s airspace would meet with an “energetic and immediate response.”

The military government in a statement before the 7-day ECOWAS ultimatum elapsed, declared: “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.”

“Any attempt to violate the country’s airspace would meet with an “energetic and immediate response.”

Also, the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), in a separate statement, declared that there had been a “pre-deployment in preparation for intervention” made by two Central African countries; though, did not not identify the countries.

The Council cautioned: “Any state involved will be considered co-belligerent.”