The leaders of Niger’s coup have closed the country’s airspace until further notice amid fears of a military intervention from neighbouring countries.
The West African group of countries, Ecowas, had earlier warned it could use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated by 11pm last night, a deadline that has been ignored.
A junta spokesman says Niger’s armed forces are ready to defend the country.
Mr Bazoum was detained on July 26, and Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, commander of the presidential guard, proclaimed himself the new leader.
After a crisis meeting in Nigeria on Friday, Ecowas military chiefs said they had drawn up a plan for the possible use of force.
“All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out here, including the resources needed, the how and when we are going deploy the force,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.
And he added: “We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them [Niger’s junta] that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done”.
They issued their ultimatum a week ago but the deadline has now passed.
