Niamey - Following a military coup in Niger, a coalition of African nations issued a deadline of August 6 for the coup leaders to relinquish their control and reinstate the democratically elected president. As the deadline elapsed, the nation's airspace was shut down on Sunday, signifying the escalating tensions. Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, the leader of the coup, addressed the situation through a video statement. He revealed that the imminent threat of intervention from neighboring countries prompted the decision to close Niger's airspace. In a move that underscores the volatile nature of the situation, the coup leaders have called on citizens to stand ready to "defend" their homeland.

The military coup unfolded in late July, leading to the takeover of Niger's administration and the detainment of President Mohamed Bazoum by the presidential guard. The series of events have not only generated concerns over the country's stability and governance but have also attracted the attention of regional and international stakeholders due to the potential ripple effects across the African continent.