Niger coup: Junta shuts airspace citing military intervention threat

Niger's coup leaders have closed the country's airspace until further notice, citing the threat of military intervention from their neighbours.

It comes after the Ecowas group of West African states demanded President Mohamed Bazoum be reinstated by Sunday.

Ecowas had warned that the junta could face military action and will now meet on Thursday to discuss next steps.

Meanwhile Mali and Burkina Faso, both also ruled by juntas, said they would send officials to Niger in solidarity.

Flightradar24 showed a transport plane had flown from Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, and landed in Niger hours after airspace was closed.

The growing instability in the region compelled former colonial power France on Monday to warn its citizens against travelling to the Sahel region, and for those still there to be cautious due to anti-France sentiment.