One week after the military coup in Niger, the newly established military government has taken steps to restore normalcy by reopening the country’s land borders and airspace with five neighboring countries. The announcement was made on Tuesday evening by a spokesperson for the junta on television.
Border crossings to Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, and Chad have been reopened, facilitating movement and trade between these nations.
Furthermore, the junta has appointed new governors for the country’s eight regions, a move aimed at maintaining administrative functions.
However, tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) persist. Niger’s borders with Benin and Nigeria, both ECOWAS members, remain closed at this time.
In response to the military coup, ECOWAS issued an ultimatum on Sunday, demanding the release and reinstatement of the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, within one week. The group threatened to take measures, potentially including the use of force, if the demand is not met.
Meanwhile, France and Italy have begun evacuating their citizens and others from Niger. Multiple flights have already transported individuals back to Europe, and additional evacuation efforts are underway.
The situation in Niger has sparked concerns about Russia’s involvement in fueling military coups in Africa. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, stated that Russia is using false propaganda and supporting military regimes in the region for its own gain.
This coup marks the fifth instance of a democratically elected government being overthrown in Africa since 2021, with similar occurrences in Mali, Sudan, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.
Amid these developments, the EU denies any accusations of foreign interference in the coup in Niger. The situation remains under close scrutiny, and regional and international bodies are working to find a resolution to the crisis.
