Africa War Fears Grow As Niger Prepares Troops for Ecowas Invasion

Coup leaders in Niger have closed the country's airspace and have brought in reinforcements after the West African group of countries, Ecowas, warned it could use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated

Bazoum was detained on July 26, and Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, commander of the presidential guard, proclaimed himself the new leader, sparking condemnation from leaders from Africa, France, the European Union and the United States.

The former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, James Stavridis, has warned the crisis could potentially lead to a "full-blown war in Africa."

A military source told CNN that Niger's armed forces brought in a convoy of about 40 pick-up trucks from other parts of the country on Sunday evening.

The U.S. has evacuated some staff from its embassy in the capital in Niamey, while the estimated 1,000 American troops stationed in the country were restricted to their bases. The U.S. State Department said on Friday it was pausing certain foreign assistance programs for Niger's government.