Niger slams door on French planes as diplomatic row deepens!
Niger Reopens Airspace—but French Flights Banned
Niger has reopened its skies to national and international commercial flights – but there’s a sharp catch. French aircraft, including Air France, are firmly barred from entering its airspace. The announcement came in a firm statement late Saturday amid mounting tensions between Niamey and Paris.
The statement made it crystal clear: “All national and international commercial flights” can fly over Niger’s territory, except for any French or France-chartered planes. This bold move marks a fresh chapter in the diplomatic standoff between the West African nation and its former colonial power.
Strict Restrictions on Military & Special Flights
Despite reopening the skies, Niger will keep its airspace closed to military, operational, and special flights without prior approval. This tight grip highlights Niamey’s determination to control its airspace during this volatile political climate.
Air France, when approached, confirmed it is steering well clear of Niger airspace, staying in line with the current flying restrictions.
Background: Coup Fallout and Regional Tensions
The reopening follows a near-month-long lockdown of Niger’s airspace, first imposed on August 6 citing fears of intervention from neighbouring countries.
This threat loomed large as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mulled military action to restore President Mohamed Bazoum, ousted in a July 26 coup. France backed ECOWAS calls to reinstate democratic rule in Niger – a stance that has since soured relations with Niamey.
A New Low in Paris-Niamey Relations
Since the coup, diplomatic ties between France and Niger have frayed badly. Paris insists on upholding democracy in its former colony, while Niamey pushes back hard. Excluding French aircraft from Niger’s airspace signals a tough new diplomatic gambit in this ongoing showdown.
