Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers responsible for the removal of Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum, addressed supporters of Niger’s ruling junta in Niamey, Niger on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. The mutinous soldiers in Niger have closed the country’s airspace, alleging that foreign powers are planning an attack. The junta has refused to meet the deadline set by West African regional bloc ECOWAS to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, instead threatening an “energetic and immediate response” to any attempt to fly over the country. Niger’s state television announced the closure of the airspace on Sunday night. The coup leaders claim that two central African countries are preparing to invade Niger, urging the population to defend their country.
Tensions have been escalating in the region since the mutinous soldiers overthrew Niger’s democratically elected president two weeks ago and detained him. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who was head of the presidential guard, has been installed as the head of state. The coup is believed to have stemmed from a power struggle between Tchiani and the ousted president.
It remains unclear what ECOWAS will do now that the deadline has passed, as the region is divided on the course of action to take. Some countries, including Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Algeria, have voiced their opposition to the use of force, while Senegal and Ivory Coast have expressed support for ECOWAS’ efforts to restore constitutional order. The junta has not shown interest in negotiation, as demonstrated by the recent visit of an ECOWAS delegation that was restricted to the airport and only allowed to meet representatives of Tchiani.
The junta is capitalizing on anti-French sentiments to rally support and has severed ties with France, which previously collaborated with the Nigerien military in anti-extremism efforts. They have also suspended French broadcasters RFI and France 24 from operating in the country. The junta has sought assistance from the Russian mercenary group Wagner and aims to establish new partnerships. This move has raised concerns about the future of French and U.S. military personnel in Niger, who have been working with the Nigerien military to combat extremist groups.
While many people, especially the youth, have expressed support for the junta, there are also concerns about the junta’s tightening control over the population. There have been reports of citizens being coerced into joining the junta and informing on fellow citizens who have contact with foreigners.