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Niger Closes Airspace Amid Rising Tension

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Niger has taken the decision to close its airspace. 

This is coming as ECOWAS' seven-day ultimatum to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum elapses.

The junta in Niger, known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), defied the ultimatum issued by ECOWAS, choosing instead to release a statement announcing the closure of its airspace

The statement warned that any attempt to violate the country's airspace would be met with an "energetic and immediate response."

No aircraft was operating in Niger's skies on Monday, according to the flight tracking website, Flightradar24. 

The closure of airspace added to the tensions already gripping the nation.

Despite the looming threat of military action, thousands of coup supporters have been gathering in Niger's capital, Niamey, to rally behind the junta. 

They converged on the Seyni Kountche stadium, named after Niger's first coup leader in 1974, with jubilant crowds waving Russian flags and carrying portraits of the CNSP leaders, including General Mohamed Toumba.
 


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