Niger’s military rulers have barred French aircraft from entering its airspace, intensifying tensions in an already strained diplomatic relationship.
Niger’s airspace, which recently reopened for commercial flights, has now excluded French aircraft, including those operated by Air France, from its skies, according to a statement from the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA).
The official statement issued late Saturday declared that Niger’s airspace remains “open to all national and international commercial flights except for French aircraft or aircraft chartered by France.” It further noted that this restriction extends to “all military, operational, and other special flights” unless prior authorization is obtained.
Air France confirmed that it was complying with the directive and stated, “not flying over Niger airspace.”
Niger initially reopened its airspace on September 4 after a month-long closure prompted by concerns over the “threat of intervention from neighboring countries.” This decision came as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) contemplated military action to reinstate the elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in a coup on July 26.
Tensions have escalated due to France’s repeated support for the ECOWAS mission. Relations between Paris and Niamey have reached a historic low since the coup, with the latest aviation restriction adding another layer of complexity to the Franco-Nigerien standoff.
