The coup d’états who seized power in Niger accused France today of violating its airspace as part of a wider plan to destabilize the African country. The self-styled “National Council for the Protection of the Homeland” claimed that a French “military aircraft” took off at 06:01 (local time) from Chad and entered Niger airspace, cutting off all communication with the control center from 06:39 to 11:15 (local time). Niger’s junta has accused France of “liberating terrorists”.
The French Foreign Ministry categorically denied the coup plotters’ claims.
Anti-French rhetoric has been a feature of other coups in the region in the past two years, including those in Mali and Burkina Faso, whose leaders strongly support the military that seized power in Niger.
The coup leaders on Tuesday denied entry to African countries’ envoys and UN representatives, refusing to bow to pressure to come to the negotiating table ahead of tomorrow’s summit in which leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ) will discuss the possibility of military intervention.
A former rebel leader in Niger has announced the formation of a movement opposing the junta, in a first sign of internal resistance to military rule in the strategically important Sahel country.
Risa Ag Bulla said in a statement released today that the “Resistance Council for Democracy” aims to restore ousted president Mohammed Bazum, who is being held in his residence after the military seized power.
The development comes as diplomatic efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger appear to have stalled, while the military governments of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso have called on the United Nations to prevent possible military intervention.
Source: News Beast
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