Niger: Coup leaders announce indefinite closure of country's airspace to all aircraft Aug. 6, citing threat of military intervention /update 9

Event

The ruling National Council for the Protection of the Country (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie, CNSP) announced the closure of Niger's airspace to all aircraft until further notice on Aug. 6, citing the threat of military intervention from neighboring countries. The move comes amid the expiration of a deadline imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that demanded that the country's junta step down and release and reappoint deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. While ECOWAS had reportedly considered military intervention in Niger if the CNSP did not comply with their demands by the Aug. 6 deadline, the regional bloc's next planned steps were not immediately clear following the deadline's expiration.

Before the Aug. 6 declaration, the coup leaders had announced the reopening of land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad from Aug. 1; the borders with Benin and Nigeria have remained officially closed. In addition, ECOWAS announced a no-fly zone, the closure of borders with Niger, and the suspension of commercial and financial transactions with the country on July 30. Nigeria has cut its electricity supply to Niger, leading to power outages in parts of the country, including Niamey.

Several countries have evacuated a number of their nationals from the country since the July 26 coup, including France, the US, the UK, Italy, and Spain.

Coup-related protests have occurred since July 26 and further events are likely in Niamey and elsewhere. Gatherings are particularly likely near prominent government buildings, Western embassies, and public squares, including the French Embassy, Presidential Palace, Place de la Concertation in front of the National Assembly, and President Bazoum's party headquarters. Clashes are likely if pro- and anti-CNSP groups demonstrate in proximity to one another or if protesters engage in acts of public violence or ignore official orders to disperse.

Security will likely remain especially tight in Niamey, other major cities, and along the country's border crossings over the coming days. Security measures may include roadblocks, checkpoints, and searches of vehicles and pedestrians. Coup leaders could implement further restrictions, including restricting telecommunications. Clashes between supporters of Bazoum and military leaders could occur with little-to-no warning; a counter-coup attempt by soldiers loyal to Bazoum and his administration cannot be ruled out in the coming days. There have been no reported clashes involving armed forces as of Aug. 6. Shortages of basic commodities are likely if the border closures persist.

Context

The coup took place early July 26, when members of the Presidential Guard sequestered President Bazoum within the Presidential Palace. Bazoum was allegedly about to dismiss General Abdourahmane Tchiani after the latter had served two presidential administrations. A group of soldiers announced overnight July 26-27 that they had ended Niger's current regime and suspended the country's constitution. Tchiani justified the removal of Bazoum by citing several issues, including prevailing insecurity and the state of the economy.

There have been frequent pro-coup demonstrations in recent days, particularly in Niamey, during which demonstrators have chanted anti-French slogans and waved Russian flags. There has been no significant violence targeting French assets or personnel to date.

Advice

Persons planning to travel to Niger should defer travel until the situation stabilizes. Those planning to leave Niger should contact their home consulate to confirm the feasibility of the exit. Exercise extreme caution if operating anywhere in Niger; if operating in Niamey or major cities, avoid nonessential travel until the security situation stabilizes. Heed official directives, including any curfew orders. Avoid government buildings, security installations, large concentrations of police and soldiers, and any demonstrations that materialize. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Reconfirm the status of roads before leaving accommodations. Plan for possible disruptions to telecommunications networks. Refrain from taking photographs in public spaces due to heightened tensions nationwide. Stockpile essential items, including food, when possible. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.