Niger military leaders have decided to reopen the country’s airspace after almost a month of closure following the recent coup that toppled president Mohamed Bazoum.
The military regime made the decision on Monday, according to the official Niger News Agency (ANP).
“The airspace of the Republic of Niger is open to all national and international commercial flights”, stated a spokesman for the Ministry of Transport, as quoted by the ANP. The reopening of the airspace also means that ground services have resumed their operations.
However, it’s important to note that the airspace is still closed to all operational military flights and other special flights. These types of flights are only authorised with prior approval from the competent authorities. The decision to keep the airspace closed for military and special flights is part of the military regime’s efforts to maintain control over the country.
The closure of the airspace was initially announced on 6 August due to the perceived threat of intervention from neighbouring countries. The Economic Community of West African States had threatened military intervention to restore the elected president, Bazoum, who was overthrown in the coup. As a precautionary measure, the military regime decided to close the airspace to ensure the country’s security and stability.
In addition to the closure of the airspace, Niger’s land and air borders were also closed immediately after the military took power. However, on 2 August, the military announced the reopening of the borders with five neighbouring countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad. This move aimed to facilitate essential economic activities and maintain regional cooperation.
Although the airspace was closed to most flights, there were exceptions for flights with special authorizations. These flights were allowed to continue serving Niamey airport, the capital of Niger. It’s unclear what criteria were used to grant these special authorizations, but it’s likely that they were for essential services or diplomatic purposes.
The reopening of the airspace is a positive development for Niger, as it signifies a gradual return to normalcy and a step towards resuming international travel and trade. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Niger is still under military rule, and the reopening of the airspace does not necessarily mean a complete return to democracy.
The political situation in Niger remains fragile, and the international community will closely monitor the actions of the military regime. The reopening of the airspace should not overshadow the need for a peaceful and inclusive transition of power, as well as respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The situation in Niger remains dire as the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS continue to take a toll on the country. These sanctions were put in place with the aim of pressuring the ruling military to adhere to democratic principles and restore civilian governance.
However, the consequences of these punitive measures have been far-reaching and devastating for the people of Niger. The United Nations has raised alarm about the severe impact of regional sanctions, particularly emphasising how they are impeding the country’s access to essential food and medical supplies.
The scarcity of these vital resources poses a significant threat to the well-being and health of the Nigerien population. Furthermore, the closure of borders has further compounded the situation, hindering the flow of aid and exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the country.
Urgent action is required to address the devastating effects of these sanctions and ensure that the people of Niger do not bear the brunt of geopolitical disputes. Collaborative efforts between ECOWAS, the United Nations, and other international stakeholders must be undertaken to find a solution that balances the need for democratic progress with the preservation of human rights and the welfare of the Nigerien people.
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