AFRICA
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Niger reopens airspace more than a month after coup
Niger has reopened its airspace nearly a month after imposing a ban following a military coup in July.
Niger reopens airspace more than a month after coup
The reopening of the Niger airspace came as coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in on September 4. Photo: Reuters   / Photo: Reuters Archive
September 4, 2023

After taking power on July 26, the coup leaders closed the country's airspace before reopening it again on August 2, a measure that was reversed on August 6 after regional countries threatened to intervene militarily to restore civilian rule.

"The airspace of the Republic of Niger is open to all national and international commercial flights," the official Nigerien news agency ANP quoted a transport ministry spokesman as saying, adding that ground services had also resumed.

The airspace however remained closed to all operational military flights and others requiring prior authorisation from the relevant authorities.

Military intervention threat

The Economic Community of West African States has imposed sanctions on Niger after the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum and the bloc threatened military intervention as a last resort if talks fail to restore civilian rule.

On August 2, Niger reopened land and air borders with five neighbouring countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali and Chad.

Some flights that have received special authorisation have been able to continue to use the airport in the capital Niamey.

On Friday, the United Nations warned that tons of food aid destined for Niger was stuck in transit due to border closures.

SOURCE:AFP
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