- Esclates Moves to isolate junta over ousted Bazoum
By Isaac Akerele
The Nigerian government has isolated Niger’s new junta government, abruptly suspending all commercial air travel to and from the nation under its recent change to military rule.
The total flight ban follows the July coup that saw democratically-elected President Bazoum ousted by General Tchiani’s forces. Regional leaders in ECOWAS had issued an ultimatum for the junta to stand down – so far ignored.
Now Nigeria is again enforcing the “No Fly Zone” as the country spirals toward feared civil conflict. No commercial or charter planes can enter Nigerian airspace to or from Niger.
According to the directive, issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Aeronautical Information Services, Only emergency landings or specially-approved flights will still operate.
Special flights are directed to obtain authorisation from the permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace.
Recall that tensions erupted recently after military junta led by Abdourrahamane Tchiani vowed Niger would quit ECOWAS and foster closer ties with Russia and China instead.
Military governments in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announced their exit from the ECOWAS bloc recently this year alleging that the regional organisation has drifted from the ideals of its founders and the spirit of pan-Africanism.
According to the joint statement by all three countries, Niger junta spokesman, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, had announced a “sovereign decision” to leave the Economic Community of West African States without delay
